Here I used issue 307 of Q magazine to analyse the contents page which in this case is a double page spread.
BASICS
It includes all the requirements of a contents page with the masthead, followed by the contents title and finished with the cover line. The issue number is included under the masthead and title in a red boost which helps the bold white font stand out.In addition to this the bottom of the page includes the magazines website which it tells readers they can subscribe to the magazine on and, on the bottom right it has the date, the page number and the smaller version of the Q magazine. On the second page this shifts with the date and page number know placed on the bottom left hand side and on the right readers are offered interactivity with the magazines website, twitter address and facebook address.
HOUSE STYLE
Overall the contents page fits in with the house style of the magazine e.g the colour scheme red, white and black.
IMAGES
The first thing I noticed with the layout is that The double page spread is consists mainly of images which, depending on the article content vary in size. The image of Lana Del Rey is the largest and is made even more prominent by the extreme close-shot of her face, this is done purposely to highlight the image linking to the main cover story in the magazine. The same technique is used with the image of the Muppets on the right, the size of the image connotates that it is one of the main articles.
The smaller images that are also on the contents page provide a visual insight into the magazine articles and work to draw the readers in. Moreover, images of double page spreads are included in the contents page on the right which again helps to draw the readers in whilst the small image of the magazine cover ensures readers know what their getting. None of the images includes a caption perhaps for one of two reasons the first that it may well draw the reader to find out for themselves what the article is about or else because the target audience are expected to already know who the artists featured are. However the only image accompanied with information is on the second page, bottom right where there is a synopsis for a review on Rihanna's latest live tour. This I believe is done to ensure that the layout remains looking interesting and with enough relevant information.
ARTICLE CONTENT
The content information is spilt into two sections, Features and Regulars. After each feature title a small synopsis is included insuring readers immediately know what they're going to be reading. In addition to this the page numbers are included and stand out against the page encased in a small red box with bold white numbers. This is also done on the images and the size of the boxes differ as well to link with the size of the image.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
On the second page interaction is offered with a special offer for subscribing to the magazine which stands out due to the large black lettering used to draw attention to the subscription offer.
LAYOUT AND COMPOSTION
It is overall very aesthetically pleasing with a number of different shapes and varying sizes ensuring that it looks as though it has all relevant information without looking too cluttered and does suit its target audience of male 20+ due to its simplistic style and article content.
Here I used April edition of Elle magazine to analyse. This contents differs alot from Q magazines content.
HOUSE STYLE
It is far more simplistic and the colour scheme isn't as vibrant. For the masthead and the contents titles a light grey is used whilst the article titles and synopsis is in black.
MAIN IMAGE
There is only one main dominant image on the the first page of the contents page, this picture relates to the main cover story however has no caption, just like the images in Q magazine. I think this is done because both Q and Elle are well established magazines, they already a have a strong following therefore their readers would already know what to expect.
FONTS AND WRITING
The fonts used are very similar to the masthead font, the only exception is the date.
The bottom of the page shows Elle magazines awards, again I think this can only be done for a well established magazine although Q magazine doesn't do this. I believe this is done as female readers better appreciate an award winning magazine. In addition to this because there is compition between fashion magazines female readers look to find the best magazine there is therefore they would be drawn to Elle due to its numerous awards.The slim font used in Elle contrasts heavily with the bold font used in Q magazine. Q magazine contents page seems to have a few exclamation marks whilst Elle magazine has none whatsoever. Despite it only being the contents page its clear what the mode of address is in both.
ADDITIONAL IMAGES
The second page of contents shows a small group of pictures positioned at the top, again the minimalistic approach to the layout seems better suited to women.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
There is a small grey box near the bottom left for subscribing to the magazine, free make-up is offered, this again is better suited for women, Maybelline must have collaborated with Elle as female readers in the ABC1 category would most likely use a high end make-up brand such as Maybelline.
ARTICLE SECTIONS
Elle magazine has 6 sections however seeing as it is a women's lifestyle/fashion magazine.
Comparing Elle magazine with Q it is clear to see in what ways the magazines target their audience through their layout and choice of colour and font.
In light of the fact that I wish to create a music magazine aimed specifically at women I want to combine the elements of both contents page.
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