Codes and Conventions of a Music Magazine Contents Page

The word contents is in capital letters and is bold, it is the biggest text on the page, therefore stands

out from the rest. Also, it is found in the top left hand corner in this

magazine, which follows the codes and conventions as it is at the top of

the page.

The main image is the biggest on the page, this is because it is usually a picture of the artist who the main cover line on

the front cover is about. For example, this

magazines cover line is clearly about Jon Bon

Jovi, who is used as he is a very popular musician.

This magazine has subsidiary images of Coldplay, this is done so that people who are not fans of Jon Bon Jovi can be drawn in through the use of other popular artists, also they may have featured on a cover line and sub line on the front cover , therefore feature on the contents page.

The page numbers are bold, and different colour to the subheadings but this usually reflects to

front cover colour scheme, also they are all in line so it is easier for

the audience to find their desired article.

The date on the contents page reinforces the one on the front

cover.

These are probably different to the front cover’s cover lines,

this allows the audience to further

know what the magazine is about.

The word contents

It is very big and bold and tends to be in capitals, somehow it is separate from the rest of the other texts and also bigger than the rest of the texts.

Also, the colour of it usually fits in with the colour scheme but has a specific font, usually the

magazines own. The word is also usually found at the top of the magazine, either at a corner or in

the middle.

Main Image

It is usually an image of the artist, who the main cover line on the front cover is about.

Subsidiary imagesUsually about the cover lines and sub lines on the front cover, this allows a wider target

audience to be reached.

Page numbersTells the audience where the

articles are located. The numbers are made evident, as they are usually made

bold or blocked off, they also reflect the colour scheme

and are either on the left or are in line with each other.

They also go chronologically per section. The font tends to

be size 12/13 for the headline or bold or in capitals and it tends to be size 11 for the sub lines. Also, there is a

line gap between each section.

Colour scheme

The colour scheme is usually a reflection of the colour scheme on the front cover.

Date

This is placed in the contents page to reinforce the date, from the front cover.

Cover linesThey are usually different to the front cover’s cover lines, this allows the audience to

further know what the magazine is about.

Editor’s letter

It introduces the audience to what is in the magazine and helps to establish what is happening. It

also helps to establish a relationship between the reader

and the magazine.

Subscription advert

It help’s the magazine to guarantee income, also it allows the reader to know that, long term, the

subscription will be cheaper for them.

Feature articleThese are articles that are specific only to that issue, which allows the reader to

understand this.

Regular articles

These can be labelled anything from, ‘regulars’,

‘every month’ or ‘this week’. Things that are regular can be posters, reviews, competitions,

etc.

Masthead

This includes the magazines logo, therefore the masthead allows the

audience to recognise the magazine.

Smaller version of front cover

It is usually small and in the corner of the page.

Social media pages

This allows the magazine to be a cross-media product, and allow the audience to know when the magazine is out,

through social media.

Layout

Usually in columns, set up in two main areas, so that the contents page is

organised.