Analyses of contents pages

1. Analyses of Contents
Pages
In order to get more of an idea of the way different genres of
music magazines set their contents pages out, I decided to
analyse some from very different genres of music.

2. Logo Heading
Page number on image
Dateline
Page number
Section heading Issue number
Images
Numbers
Synopsis
The logo is unique to the magazine brand
and so incorporating it into the contents
page reminds the reader of the magazine
as the logo is recognisable.
Article name
The section heading gives an insight as to
what the following information will be about.
In this case, it is telling us that the features
of the magazine are displayed below.
The images are either in the
columns or in lines themselves.
This gives the page structure.
The page numbers are in a neat
line down the side of the page.
Gives the reader an idea of what
the text will be about, it is usually
an artist’s name.
The synopsis is a chunk of text which is
essentially the article condensed into a
few sentences. This allows the reader to
skim over the topic and decide if they
are interested in reading it.
The heading usually contains the
name of the magazine (in this
case it includes the logo) and is at
the top of the page.
The issue number sets the magazine aside from
all of the other magazines produced by the
company. It gives the magazine an identity and
ensures that readers don’t feel as though
they’re buying the same thing each time. It also
proves that the magazine are trustworthy once
they reach a certain number of issues because
it shows that people have continued to buy
them.
The page number on the image ensures
that the reader understands what there is
to offer inside the magazine. The image
attracts the eye and the page number
directs the reader to the article linked to
the image.
The page number informs the
reader of what page of the
magazine they are currently on.
The dateline is similar to the issue
number, it sets the magazine at a
point in time.

3. Heading
Images
Structure
The contents page is
structured using columns
which makes it easier to
read. This also is more
aesthetically pleasing and
so the contents page looks
good.
The heading is the name of the
magazine. It links the contents
page to the front cover and is in
large font. This catches the
readers attention and is in the
same font as the headline on the
front cover which allows the
reader to recognise the brand.
Most of the images are in
perfect squares and have
been presented in two
perfect columns.
Sub-sections
The sub sections are headlined in
bold and they are all set in a text
box which keeps them together
making It easier for the reader to
navigate around the page. The
page numbers are in a perfect line
which keeps the page looking
neat.
Special article
The special article is in a separate
text box with a dotted border. This
forces it to stand out against the
other articles. The image has been
photo shopped to stand alone and
the synopsis is shaped around her
head. The section heading is the
artist’s name and is in bold letters,
with her surname being larger
than her forename which suggests
that this is the most recognisable
name to the audience.
This advert is blue and black with a little
red. This makes it stand out against the
contents page itself and therefore the
reader will be attracted to the column
broadcasting the shows/.
Advert
Colour scheme
The colour scheme is predominantly
maroon red and white writing. This is a
classic pairing of colours which will
attract an older, cultured, classic adult
with an appreciation for the classical
music this magazine is displaying.
Main image
The model in this image is very polished and seems to be
of high class due to her perfectly placed, curled hair and
her classic makeup with a simple black shawl.

4. Heading
The heading is in the same
font as is used on every
Kerrang magazine. This gives
a sense of familiarity for the
regular readers and makes the
magazine recognisable.
Date line
The date line is directly beneath
the heading and contains the date
of the issue and the issue
number. This gives the magazine
individuality and sets it in time.
Note from editor
Whilst this is not a feature of
every magazine, it is featured
in more relaxed,
conversational magazines to
allow the reader to connect
with those producing the
magazine. This helps the
magazine to have regular
readers. It is displayed in a
separate column to the other
contents. This allows it to
stand out and makes the
page easier to read.
Sub section
The use of a separate section
holding the actual contents makes
the page easier to read and more
aesthetically pleasing.
Features
Features of the magazine are
displayed as images to give the
reader an insight as to what the
magazine contains.
Main image
The main image is of Marilyn Manson
whom is pictured in a dirty setting with a
simple red sofa. The artist is shown to be
holding some sort of cards, possibly tarot
cards which gives the contents page a
spooky feel to it. The dark eye makeup and
dark nail varnish will appeal to the readers
that enjoy such things, as with the slicked
back hair. It is a very gothic look.
Section headings
The section headings are in a vibrant
yellow colour which is the same as that of
the heading and the sub heading. It has
been placed on a black background which
together force the writing to stand out and
catch the reader’s attention.
Article name and synopsis
The article names are in a bold
black font to catch the reader’s
eye. The synopsis is in a smaller
font to provide the reader with
some information on the more
interesting articles.
Layout
The magazine has
been presented in
columns to make it
easier to read and to
ensure that the
magazine follows the
traditional layout of a
magazine.
This is another of
Kerrang’s contents
pages which shows
that the layout of the
magazine is the same
in each issue.