Analysis of professional contents pagesBy Niamh Doherty

Main imageThe main image is the largest thing on the page so that it is visible to the reader what is a main story. Traditionally, the main image normally uses direct address but the main image in this magazine does not. This may be because the the band in the main image look like they would on a normal day so that would not show that they are being photographed by looking directly at the camera, but looking like they are talking and just being normal men. Furthermore, the main image also reveals to the reader what type of genre of magazine it is due to the band being associated with that genre of music; which in this case, the Arctic Monkeys being indie rock.

Columns‘Q’ magazine also uses 3 columns to display all of the contents. The magazine has done this so that everything looks more neat and presentable, other than cluttered and messy. This is also done so that the reader knows where to look on the page as it helps present what piece of information goes with what image on the page.

page numbersAlso, on the cover page of ‘Q’ magazine it includes page numbers. Page numbers are used so that the reader knows where the articles are in the magazine. Initially, they are in chronological order and are bigger than the rest of the text on the page so it is clear to the audience. Interestingly, the magazine has made the page numbers stand out even more by placing the number on top of a bold colored shape.

MastheadIn the masthead of the contents page, the magazine has inserted the magazine's logo which can help the magazine be well nown as it is always there and then will be recognisable to the reader. Also, it also includes the word ‘contents’ so that it is clear to the reader what page/ part of the magazine they are on and also includes the month’s issue date, in this case ‘November 2015’. Initially, the text in the masthead is a bigger size to the rest of the text on the page so that, again it is recognizable to the reader.

colour schemeThe magazine also includes a colour scheme on the contents page where in this case it is mostly black and white with pops of colour here and there. The colour scheme is used to make the magazine look more professional and set out so it is clear to the reader and is not harsh on the eyes. Although, the colour scheme can also connote to the reader the genre of the magazine is.

subsidiary imagesSubsidiary images are used on the cover page of ‘Q’ magazine to link with some of the information on the page about articles inside. These are used to show what else is in store inside the magazine other than just the main article. In addition to this, this can attract new readers as if the recognise/ are a fan of an artist or band that have been included in an image they will want to buy the magazine and find out more.

typography The typography on the contents page consists of two fonts; one for the subtitles and another for the information underneath. There is not a range of different fonts so that it looks more sophisticated and less messy. Also, the typography consists of two sizes throughout the page; one for subheadings, and another for the information below it. This can be effective because it makes the page look more organised and neat which makes it easier for the reader to read.