Analysis of variety of genre's contents pages

Billboard Magazine Contents

The first thing I noticed was that the page is not just a contents page, on the left there is a column presenting number 1 albums, artists and songs. This shows that this is important, it may be placed here because it is a popular topic for readers to view quickly.
Colour font and size are used throughout this page to indicate importance, it is important to do this as the reader likes to establish specific pieces of text without having to read the entire text. The title 'contents' is in a different font to the masthead on the front cover, it is also in capitals whereas the front cover is not. Below this the issue number is stated, this is very small, as not many people would find this information useful. The contents section is structured well with headings stating upfront, features, music and in every issue, these titles are displayed in capitals and a different font to differentiate the titles from the individual page titles. The page titles are again in a different font and blue in capitals this differentiates them from the information below that describes each page.

 Below contents there is 3 images these are linked with page numbers and a description of the peoples names, these pictures give readers the ability to know who the main people are that are featured in the magazine without having to read. There is also an image of Rick Rubin- as stated with a page number- unlike the others he is cut out, this may be so that the image covers that page, leaving no blank space, and as the shape of this image structures well around the text. White and black are used as fonts and background colours as they contrast well making it easier for viewers to read. Blue is used to separate the contents from the number one column, it also separates the contents from the home front section. Towards the bottom of the page is two main titles outlining Online and Events, this is clear as they are in red and a larger font.



Vibe Magazine Contents

The title that displays contents is black, bold and in capitals, it is laid out is a way of which it is not immediately clear of what the word says, this may be to make the reader acknowledge this title. It is quite diverse- reflecting the content itself presenting a range of subjects.
The page only includes black and a variety of cold grey tones, perhaps to give a sophisticated appeal, showing another aspect to the magazine as the front cover had bright colours giving a fun exciting appeal. The colours of black and white are very commonly used within magazines for example NME's front cover, this may be because these colours connote power and elegance this seems to be an allure many magazines would like to pursue. These colours are often presented with few colours, like this one has a small segment of red which is able to draw attention.
The headings 'features' and 'fashion' are in a sophisticated font, this shows that these contents are sophisticated, suggesting the magazine only includes important interesting information.
We see a mid shot of the famous artist Kanye West facing forward with his hands in his pockets, this body language suggests a person is reserved. The action of an unknown character taking his heart could symbolize anything revealed has come from his heart even though the body language suggests he is reluctant to tell creating an exclusive subject.


NME contents page

Appose to using the average 'Contents' title, the magazine has chosen 'NME this week' making the magazine seem more exclusive by repeating the name. Below is the date, this along with the masthead and sub-headings are white on black, this allows the readers to focus their attention on these specific words as it is the opposite to what we commonly view; black on white. 'NME' is red outlined in white allowing us to recognize it as part of the entire masthead. The red acts as a signature look for the magazine repeatably highlighting throughout both the front cover and contents pages.
The colours used overall include; red, black, white and yellow. The light use of red indicates importance. The white on black holds focus and the yellow is only used in a small section at the bottom. This black section advertises the magazines subscription, the yellow indicates key words, so the reader does not have to read a lot before understanding the information. The offer of the ability to save money along with the demanding 'Subscribe today' influences the chances of the reader buying the offer due to an unknown time period of when the saving will be eliminated.
The arrangement of the heading 'Kasabian got romantic in a church' is effective as it clearly links with the picture. The picture presents the bands performance which looks as though is taken from within the crowd giving the reader a greater insight to the experience.
The initial of the first word of the paragraph beneath this heading is in a larger font and sits within the text, known as a drop cap. It works well at drawing attention and breaks up the paragraph, making it seem shorter therefore more appealing to read.