Contents Page Analysis – Q Magazine

ImageryUnlike the contents page from ‘Spin’ magazine, this page contains multiple images, which cover a high proportion of the page. The main image is the cover star Jay-z which covers the whole right hand side of the page, showing it is the main feature of the issue. It is a bold extreme close up image, with a harsh red light shining on half of the image, which fits with the red and black colour scheme. The harsh red and black colours used within the image have connotations of violence and aggression, which fits with the R&B genre. At the bottom of the page there are screenshots of the double page spreads that will be found within the magazine. These images are tilted slightly which gives the page an informal look.

House StyleThe house style of a contents page is important as it must be the same in every issue so that it is recognisable to the reader and it must be designed in a way which gives information clearly and efficiently. The magazines masthead is positioned in the top left of the page, highlighted by a red band which stretches across the top of the page. Another main feature of this contents page is the bold page numbers positioned by the pictures. This is effective as it make clear where the reader can find the main features of the magazine. The main colour scheme of this page which is continued throughout the magazine is red, black and white. This is effective has all these colours contrast well with each other. The text is concentrated towards the left of the page with the main page titles in a bold, clear font so that they stand out. Design Balance

The design of this contents page has informal balance, as the page is mainly covered by images of what will be featured in the magazine, along with text on the left hand side. There is balance in the fact that the number ‘50’ is positioned in the centre of the page which provides a clear line down the centre. This is effective as it would stand out the reader and be one of the first things they see, and this is important because it is informing the reader what page the main feature article is on.

Design PrinciplesThe Guttenberg design principle has been applied to this page as the number ‘50’ is positioned in the optical viewing area, so that it is one of the first things the reader will see.

Contents Page Analysis – Spin Magazine

ImageryThis contents page only contains one primary image, which is used to full the whole page and provides the background for the text. The text is used to frame the image, unlike the ‘Q’ contents page. The image is fun and exciting, as the artist seems to have been caught off guard and it holding a pink guitar. Also high key lighting has been used sets a happy, upbeat tone, therefore reflecting what the magazine is trying to achieve.

House styleSimilarly to the ‘Q’ contents page the text is positioned towards the left of the page, something common in music magazines. Another similarity is that the page and article titles are in a bold clear font along with a brief description underneath. This contents page also has the magazines masthead positioned in the top left corner, so that it is recognisable. This contents page contains a quote from the cover model Duffy, which gives a unique look to the page. The overall house style of this contents page is extremely simple and easy to read, as the page is not full of unnecessary text. The main colours used are black and navy, which give the page a classic, formal look.

Design BalanceLike the page taken from ‘Q’ Magazine this contents page has informal balance as the image fills the centre of the page and the text is concentrated on the left hand side.

Design Principles

In terms of the image the Guttenberg design principle has been used as in the top left corner the artist is holding the guitar, which is the main focus of the image. It is in the primary optical area meaning it is the first thing the reader will see.