2. This front cover for Q magazine generally follows the usual magazine conventions. It contains a main image of the featured band. It takes up most of the page so draws the eye and shows its importance. It is put with a caption to identify the band. The articles and page numbers are on the left side, to keep it simple and easy to navigate. The numbers are in a different colour to the text, which helps to draw the eye and also makes it easier to read. There are two contents sections: ‘features’ and ‘every month’. These categorise the sections, again making it easier for the reader. The section ‘Q review’ is boxed and displayed differently to the other contents, showing that this is special to Q magazine and therefore attracting readers. There is another image here, which draws the attention. The colour scheme of this contents page is fairly neutral, white and black, with certain elements of red to draw attention to some aspects. This colour scheme is bold, without being brash and busy. The picture also follows the colour scheme. I really like the way this contents page is laid out. Overall, it is simplistic and clear but at the same time seems full, and suggests to the reader that they are getting value for money. Contents Page Analysis 1
3. Contents Page Analysis 2 This contents page is very different to the first. Immediately I can see that it is busier, with much more text. It headers the page with the name of the magazine to make it flow from the contents and also ‘this week’, written in bold capitals and a large font. This stands out and draws the readers attention. The table of contents is on the right side and the sections are categorised under titles, which are highlighted in black with a contrasting white font. The left also stands out as it is in a bold red. It is an index of all the bands featured. This long list structure suggests that the magazine is packed and worth the money. A short article linking to the magazine is also used in the contents. I don’t really like this as I feel it makes the page look too busy. The subscription section at the bottom is the only bit which breaks from the red, white and black colour scheme. This draws attention as subscription is obviously an important thing for magazines. The colour scheme of this front page is the same as the previous. The red, black and white are a bold combination, that is also modern and stands out. I really like this combination and may use it in my own magazine.
4. Contents Page Analysis 3 The layout of this magazine cover is quite different from magazine conventions. There is a bold red header at the top, showing what the page contains. There are three images taking up half the page, and the contents text takes up the other half. The colour scheme is red and white, similar to my previous magazines, which are bold, but also combined with the curly font, look sophisticated. The three images are anchored in with the text by the numbers. I like the large images as I think they are more interesting for readers. The contents is split up into sections, separated by lines. This makes it easier to navigate and read. This contents does not contain the name of the magazine, which is Rolling Stones.
5. Contents Page Analysis 4 This magazine contents page uses 3 key colours – black, red and gold on a white background. The gold font stands out and gives an impression of being classy and sophisticated, it also has associations with wealth. This links with the iconic, grey scale photo. The contents is named as ‘departments’, showing that it does not follow conventional magazine styles. Departments also suggests a link with fashion, as this is a term used in shops. The text is put simply, in a clear black font. The words are in bold and capital, which makes it easy to read. This contents page is very simply laid out, with some white spacing. This makes it look more sophisticated. The image has been cleverly used to fit around text, that links to the picture. ‘Who’s your influence?’ – asks readers a question drawing them in. The pronoun makes them feel involved. This contents page is not from a music magazine. However, I felt it contained certain interesting aspects that could be used as inspiration for my magazine design.
6. Contents Page Analysis 5 The image of this contents page immediately attracts attention as it is unusual and artistic. The person in the image is looking directly in the camera, involving the audience. The text is placed around the image, which makes it linked and flow. The masthead of the magazine is at the top in a large font; this links it to the front page and reminds the reader. The contents is sectioned under two headers, in red, which draws attention. This magazine contents contains a lot more description under the headings for each feature. This provides more depth to the contents, but may be unnecessary for some people who don’t like reading large amounts of text. This article contains a quote. My other examples do not. This links to the article contained. The quote is interesting, and possibly shocking to some, which creates interest in the article. The colours of this page of contents are fairly bland (black) but it also contains some red, as with many of my other magazine examples. This seems to be a popular colour to use, and I may use the same in my magazine.
