Analyzing contents Pages

Contents pages come in all different structures, and the use of graphics on different contents pages varies. Below are some examples of contents pages i have been analyzing. All three contents pages have used images, either these being large images taking up the majority of the page (like in example 1) or smaller images that are sectioned off next to the appropriate information. Personally i prefer the method where smaller images are used next to information about the features inside of the magazine, therefore for my contents page, i think i will use a similar structure.





I like this particular contents page because the separation between text and images is large, therefore i am tempted to look at it, recognizing the people within the images provided, and later reading the text surrounding the images. This particular contents page is separated so that the left section of the page is mainly images, and the right section of the page provides all the information required.

This particular contents page seems to simple, it includes images and text which is beneficial for the reader, but the background image is constant, and the images are too dull. The contents on this page seem too little, there is not much information used on this page, therefore the magazine as a whole seems less interesting to the reader. With bright images and decent sized quotations from text, the reader feels motivated to read the magazine.

Does the magazine use images?

These particular contents pages use alot of images in order to catch the readers attention. Each contents page uses a particular structure in order to use the imagery. Some contents pages prefer to use larger images or a large image and use as little text as possible. Imagery makes the contents pages seem much more vibrant, rather than crowding a page with text.

How have these images been constructed?

These images have been constructed by organising them in a particular order or pattern, and arranging them to merge with the text. One technique that is used within these contents that i think is very effective would be to use different size images, and different shaped images around the text.

How do they support your initial findings about the style of the magazine and its intended audience?

The images support my initial findings about the magazine style as the images give an insight for the reader about whats in the magazine. Imagery is much more affective than text, to use both is beneficial as the reader gets more information immediately. The pictures grab more interest from the reader.

What colours and fonts are used?

Bright colours are mainly used in the imagery, although most text in the contents pages i have analysed have been black or white. The technique that makes the text satisfactory would be how magazine editors place the text on a contents page over a darkened colour or a box to highlight the text to the reader.

Does this support the style of the front cover?

This supports the style of the front cover as the text is then immediately noticeable, and it adds design onto the page. The boxes used in this way add more to the page making it seem more interesting for the reader. Readers will not be influenced to read a contents page this is overcrowded with text that looks boring and the least bit interesting.

How is the information organised so that it is accessible to the audience?

The information is organised in these examples of contents pages by seperating imagery from text, but arranging them so that they can combine together having a large impact on the reader. I have noticed that a common technique used in the creation of contents pages is that the contents page is usually split in two, imagery on one side and text on the other, or imagery taking up the majority of the top of the contents page, whereas text is on the bottom.

What are the different sections?

The different sections of a contents page are "features" which gives the reader a cropped amount of detail about the articles within the magazine, aswell as "Departments" which mainly obtain notes from the editor of the magazine.

What does this tell you about the magazine?

This tells the reader that as there is alot of information within the magazine, it needs to be arranged so information is easily accessable or easily discovered.

Are there any promotional features?

There are not really many promotional features on the contents pages i have analysed, although there are some sections on the contents page that have events listings.

Is the magazine logo placed anywhere on the page?

The contents pages that i analysed did not have the magazine logo, but i do think putting the magazine logo onto the contents page would be effective too.

How dominant is it?

The contents pages seem very dominant. They have given the reader options, whether they wish to read the text and discover what they wish to read, or by viewing the imagery they are able to see the page numbers within the magazine.

Does the brand have any other franchises?

The brand of these particular contents pages do not seem to have any visible franchises.

Are these promoted on the contents page?

No promotions are used on the analysed contents pages.

How does this magazine, aimed at a different audience compare with Kerrang or NME?!

These magazines dont seem to be as highly known, as some of the contents pages contain information of topics that are not too well known. Kerrang or NME contents pages are alot more technical and informative, and the imagery used catches the viewers eye immediately.

How would you describe the layout of its contents page?

The layout of the contents pages i am analysing are very organised, nicely set up so that they are attractive to the viewer. The sections in each contents page vary, although the type of information given to the reader in the examples above is different to the information you would see in a music magazine.

Does it remind you of anything?

These magazine contents page examples are not all based around the topic of music, however they remind me of sports or entertainment within media.

What does this say about the audience?

This says that the audience of these magazines, possibly have an interest in sports or particular areas of entertainment, for example images of gambling stations are used in one contents page to catch the eye of the reader.

How is this different to NME/Kerrang?

These particular contents pages do not seem to be as sophisticated as the contents pages produced by higly known magazines such as NME or Kerrang.