The second contents page I am going to analyse I have taken from the magazine Kerrang! The main function of a contents page is to inform readers what they can find in the rest of the contents of the magazine. Different styles of media language are used on contents pages not just your typical text but also by images. This contents page has more images than it has text. Underneath the images are the anchorages which include the names of the artists featured in the magazine and a brief summary of what they are doing in the magazine.
The colour scheme throughout Kerrang! Is yellow and black and this is continued onto the contents page. The background is white, which allows the important features on the contents page to stand out and not be blurred into the background. The yellow represents a sense of danger as it is an aluminous yellow as well as the black which represents a dirty rebellious image which reflects the music genre of heavy metal.
At the top of the page is the masthead “Contents” this is shown in large, bold bright yellow font which has been placed inside a black box, making the page brighter and more noticeable to the reader; as the yellow stands out and shows them what the page is about, this layout also reminds me of a warning sign. Also inside the black box in a smaller font there is the issue number and issue release date this is to remind the audience however it will also be published on the front cover where it will be looked at more.
The top left hand corner of the page features a note from the Editor. This is placed next to an image of the front cover of the magazine. The note from the editor talks about the week the person has had and the contents of the magazine, which articles they like and add their own personal comments to it. The type of language used is chatty and informal. This is effective as it relates to the target audience and offers a more personal approach to the reader. At the end of the editorial the editor has signed his name to create a friendship between the reader and editor.
On the right hand side of the page there is a long column that highlights the main features included in the week’s issue. The column features small aluminous yellow subheadings placed on top of a black background, repeating the style of the masthead. This is to show each articles importance by making articles easier for the reader to find what they are looking for also by using page numbers. The column is put on this section of the page as it is the first opening page and will be the first thing the reader will see, it almost resembles an introduction.
Beneath the column in the bottom right hand corner there is a bright red box
(which would draw the readers attention automatically) highlighting to the reader that they can subscribe to Kerrang! And get it weekly through their own front door instead of having to go out and buy it, this is also a cheaper option. Underneath this there is a number in which the reader would need to call in order to subscribe to this offer.
The third contents page I am going to analyse is from the magazine ‘Q’.
At the top of the page there is the masthead ‘Contents’ which tells us that this page is obviously the contents page, this masthead is situated in the centre, with the date situated at the top right hand side in a slightly smaller font from the masthead. On the left hand side of the mast head is the ’Q’ logo which is continuously placed in that position through the magazine, as it is the brand name. The font of the masthead and date is just plain black making it very clear and easy to read for the reader against the white background
The majority of the contents page is dominated by the image of James Blunt, a very successful solo artist which automatically states that he will be a massive feature in this issue which is also reinforced by the subheading on the left hand column with his name and a page number. The image of James Blunt is a close-up shot of his face on which we can see his loose, non-styled hair, stubble and rough and ready look. We can tell from this picture he hasn’t been in make-up waiting to be styled for hours before this shoot. This goes well with the connotations of Q magazine. It is very unlikely to see somebody who looks immaculate and air brushed as the main star of the issue as the “boy band look” that is not the image Q magazine likes to give off. As James is shown looking imperfect the audience will also be able to relate to this, not always do people like to open a magazine and find flawlessly, air brushed perfect people inside. He also is giving the image of a puppy dog loveable person by looking straight ahead into the camera
Down the left hand side of the page there are special features of the magazine and regular articles that are featured every month. The pages have been separated into 2 groups with the subheadings ‘FEATURES’ and ‘EVERY MONTH’ with white font in a black box. The white stands out against the black and links into the colour scheme used on the whole page.
In the features section there is a white box highlighting that an article inside of the magazine features on more than one page.
At the bottom on the page there is plug containing the quote “I’m a gardener and hovering house wife” spoken by Nicky Wire on an article on page 102 this is an interesting thing for a male artist in a rock band to say as it goes against all stereotypes of rock band members, this will attract the reader to skip to that page.
At the very bottom right corner of the page there is an image of a red arrow which fits in with the colour scheme, the arrow is telling the reader to turn the page without having to use more writing.
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