Codes and Conventions of a music magazine

contents page

By Chloe Hughes

Issue number;

Most of the time positioned in the top left or right corner of the contents page.

Normally by the magazine title.

Issue date;

Positioned with the issue number, they are shown together on the front cover and the contents also.

Contents;

Word is prominent, it lets people know it is actually the contents page where they can find out more details.

Written in bold, capitals, also the colour (white) contrasts against the black background. This makes it stand out to the audience.

Main Image;

The main image on the contents page suggests it will be the main, most important story in the magazine.

It is usually positioned in the middle or towards the side of the page. It is framed by the rest of the text.

Magazine logo or name;

Usually in the top left hand corner of the contents page.

Category headings;

‘in every issue’, ‘regulars’, ‘every month’!

This is usually on the left of the page, also the last of the headings, near the bottom of the page.

Eg. Subscriptions, puzzles, competitions.

Specials;

These are one off interviews or features. It is separate from the other headings so it stands out, as this is an important part of ‘this issues’ magazine.

Website;

Positioned by the issue number and issue date at the top of the contents page.

Allows the audience to get more in formation from there website if needed.

Page numbers;

The page numbers start at the left, they are before the heading. The numbers at a different colour and font from the heading also, this makes them stand out.

The headings are only either one word or few words, then it is followed by a short sub line explaining more about article.

Quotes;

Sometimes contents pages have quotes from interviews they had done in the magazine. Most of the time they are on the main image, like this one. They are never over the faces of the bands or artists.

Layout;

The contents is laid out into 3 or 4 columns, they are to the side of the main image. As if they are framing the image. They never overlap or cover the image.

Font;

Usually in size 11pt, numbers may be bigger and obviously the ‘contents’ title.

Editors letters;

Some magazines have messages from the editors who produced the months magazine. These are usually in either of the bottom corners of the contents page.

Front cover;

In some contents pages they have a small copy of the magazine front cover, they put page numbers in circles to show which story is on which page. This makes it quicker for the audience to locate the page they want.

Others…