Contents page analysis

As a task we analysed a contents page of a magazine, looking at all of the main features and why they are used as an advantage to the reader. This contents page is from Q Magazine. It's quite unusual as it only has two images, also the colour scheme is very simple maybe to reflect the type of people who are included in the magazine. The page title is very short and sweet and informs the reader that this is indeed the contents page; the exact place they need to look in order to find what they are looking for. It includes the logo of the magazine for identification the red and the 'contents' text is in black. The reason for the magazine doing this maybe to exaggerate the individuality of the magazine by switching colours. I quite like this idea of including the masthead in the contents page, I may use this idea in my own project. The main image of Liam Gallagher is extremely strong in terms of facial expression. I like the way he isnt looking at the camera and the size of the image screams that he is part of the main article. the page number in which he is featured is placed on the bottom left hand corner to link the image with the page, this is so the reader can navigate the article if they want to read it. I love the image and how it is presented, I would use a strong image in my contents page because I think it would present a main article very well.

This contents page for NME is obviously a completely different layout to Q Magazine. For a start it doesn't include the magazine logo, however the logo is included in the box which advertises magazine subscription. I like the way that the page numbers on this contents page stand out and are a different colour, this is again a way which is easier for the reader to navigate the whereabouts of the article. I would consider the idea of a different colour for page numbers because it is vital information which needs to stand out for the person reading the magazine. Another different feature which this magazine has, is that each article has an image to match with it. This is so it appeals to everyone and they can see what the person in the article looks like. For example, they may see the image but not know what the name of the person is and the other way around. Another clever feature of this contents page is that they have added a direct quotation from each article to draw the reader in to want to read more. The quotations are clearly in speech marks and are also differentiated by the different fonts. I would use a feature like this because it makes the idea of an interview more personal to the reader. All of the images edited in size depending on the importance. Miles Kane's image is the largest which suggests his work is being promoted or he is the cover star. On the Q contents page, there was no subscription advert, whereas on NME the advert makes it look as though they are considering the income of their audience; 'save up to 42%.' On the other hand it is a way to increase sales. They have also got a 'plus' category for other articles which are not as important.

 

This contents page is from an older edition of NME, I know this from analysing the more recent contents page above, it's completely different. Similarly to Q Magazine, NME have included their masthead in the page title in the same font but again seperating the words with different colours. The main image is of a band performing live, showing that this will be a link to the main article. In terms of layout, this contents page is completely different. It has been put into sections which will give the reader a better idea of what is in the issue. I personally find this layout better and would consider using a similar idea for my own contents page, although I would differenciate my main articles and add quotations.
The website is promoted to increase sales and there is also an advert for subscription to the magazine. I like the way it stands out by being in a bright colour which would instantly catch the readers attention. NME's old contents page is definitely a lot louder than the recent one, I prefer the softer font rather than bold.