Contents Page Analysis

Kerrang Magazine




This contents page from kerrang magazine uses the general colour scheme used in the rock/ metal genre of black, white, red and dark yellow. This gives the page a grungy rocky edge which readers will immediately recognise as their taste.

 The organisation of the page is very simple with the large, main image of Marilyn Manson featured across the top half of the page while the text is at the bottom. The page gives a rock feel with many images in varying sizes and simple text allowing readers to quickly find what they are looking for.

The contents page features many images which are also featured further into the magazine, showing the reader what they will find and tempting them to read on. The main image is a mid-shot of the metal artist Marilyn Manson, shot at a slight low angle emphasising him so he appears big and powerful. The mise en scene of the image shows his rock/ metal character as he is dressed head to toe in black with dark eye makeup, eerie, white contact lenses, long black hair and black nail polish. He is sat on a red sofa in a dinghy setting emphasising his metal character.

The contents page uses the same font as the masthead on the cover which helps the reader immediately recognise the brand of Kerrang. The dark yellow colour used is in capitals on separate black backgrounds to make it standout and informs us of what the page consists if. The categories are simple and to the point allowing the reader to find what they are looking for quicker. The layout is simple with the page numbers in red so it will stand out to the reader.

There is an editor’s note at the left side of the page under a medium close-up of her picture. The picture and her signature at the bottom of the note give it a more personal feel allowing the reader to feel more intimate with the magazine. It uses informal language on this page along with the rest of the magazine which appeals to the typical young, rock listening reader.


Vibe magazine

 This contents page from the magazine Vibe has only one image used as the background of the page. It is a long shot of the hip hop artist Ciara in a posed, studio shot. The image consists of the artist lying on the floor with her legs up in the air.  She is shown in a promiscuous way wearing minimal, revealing clothing in a tight leotard. This entices mainly male readers with her sexual look. The outline of her legs are in the shape of a V, emphasising the magazine is Vibe. The first story under features is named "Barely There" which matches the image in which she wears little clothing.

The colours used are white, black and grey giving it a classy, sophisticated look fitting with the genre hip hop. The gradient style background allows the black and white text to stand out. There is a large outline of the letter V placed in the background behind the image of the artist and the title contents.  This reminds the reader that they are reading Vibe magazine. The language used is informal and fun appealing to the young audience the magazine is aimed at.

The word contents is in a large, white font placed strategically with the “CO” at the top, “NTEN” in the middle and “TS” at the bottom. This gives it a stylish look and makes the page more interesting. There is no editor's note or any extra information making the page very plain and to the point. The typography used on the subheadings "Features" and "Fashion" allow it to stand out to the audience and also allow it to look stylish. 

Q magazine

This contents page sticks to the conventions of Q magazine. The main colours used are red, black and white showing the rock genre of the artists featured. The main image is a long shot of the rock band The Courteneers as they pose outside in a countryside setting on a hill. This lets the band appear natural and normal allowing the reader to feel closer and able to relate to them.

The page informs the reader as it features what is going to be in the magazine including reviews, things featured every month and an Oasis special. The Oasis special is in beige colour which gives a calming tone and features Liam Gallagher, the artist on the front cover.

The layout is very simple with the text going down the left hand side and at the bottom. The “review, the world’s biggest and best music guide” is placed in a separate box which has a light grey background showing it has own importance. The image in the box is of the artist Nick Cave in a long shot as he poses outside by a pillar, in a dark suit. This matches the other image as they are both featured outside giving the magazine a more indie, natural feel.