CONTENTS PAGE

THE IMPORTANCE OF A CONTENTS PAGE

The contents page of any magazine is there to inform the reader on what articles will be featured inside.

There are a few images across the page to show the reader that the issue is versatile and interesting. This is because, although there is one main image, showing other images makes people

aware that the magazine has a lot to offer and is worth buying. The contents page has to be able to clearly navigate the reader

through the magazine without causing confusion. This is done by having page numbers somewhere on the page, possibly in

conjunction with images that will help the reader decide whether this is the magazine they would be interested in.

LAYOUT

The contents page is laid out into 3 or 4 columns which are displayed to the side of the main image. They act as a frame of the

image which makes it more visually stimulating for the reader. The text should

never overlap or cover the image.The layout should be clear and organised so the readers eyes can easily follow the

writing. If the layout is sloppy then it could make the reader confused and

irritated which will result in them putting down the magazine and not buying it.

MAIN IMAGE / OTHER IMAGES

On the contents page there is usually one main image which relates to the main, featuring article. This image is

usually the biggest on the page and relates to the main image featuring on the front cover. 50% of the page should

be images.The text is anchored around the main image to

connote it’s importance and therefore the structure relies on the place of the image.

The other images used on the contents page are smaller and also

anchored around the text. They relate to the page that they are featured on. For example on the left, an image is shown and on the bottom left it says

‘162 (page number) NICK CAVE’.This gives extra information about

the magazine.

MASTHEADThe masthead of the page is usually just ‘CONTENTS’. This is because a one word masthead is easy to understand and clearly states the purpose of the page.The masthead font type and colour should be bold and contrast to the background as to draw the readers attention to the main focus of the page.

SUBLINES/SUBHEADINGS

Sublines are usually featured in size 11 font, they are used in order to advise the reader a

little more on what the articles are about.The contents page is categorised in to

columns/sections to portray the organised layout so it is easier for the reader to

navigate around the page.As shown on the left there are a few

categories such as ‘NEWS’, ‘REVIEWS’, ‘BAND INDEX’ AND ‘FEATURES’. These

are set out like this as to give the page a sense of order and structure.

COLOUR SCHEME

The colour scheme on the contents page is the same as on the front cover to present fluency in order for the magazine to look more professional. If the colour scheme is more fluent, it will seem more appealing to the audience which will encourage them to purchase the magazine – which

is the purpose of it.

CONVENTIONSThe contents page includes important conventions as displayed on the left.

They all play a part in making the page look interesting and fun whilst at

the same time promoting what they need to and also looking professional

and sophisticated.The contents page I have shown looks

very neat and clear, but also has a colour scheme which makes it seem as

if it’s edgy and rock themed still.This is what is crucially needed on a

contents page in order for the audience to be intrigued but also informed at

the same time.