Indie contents analysis

Q magazine contents

The masthead 'Contents' is presented on a black bold banner across the page. This makes a statement as it covers the width of the page and structures it well. The 'Q' symbol is placed before the contents banner and the review banner, this makes it memorable therefore more likely brought again. The date, issue and websites are displayed on the contents banner almost as though acting as a identity description. The overall font is basic emphasising the importance of text as it represents the basic text, with a slightly more interesting font, for example 'Oasis special!'
The headings 'features' and 'every month' are both clearly written in white font on red, which is able to hold focus. This makes it easier for the reader to pick out different sectors of information that they may be searching for. The font is similar to the 'Contents' as it is very basic, yet the corners are less harsh and quite curved, therefore it comes across less edgy stating the lower importance compared to the main heading.
The section advertising the 'Oasis special' is gold- this colour suggests that this is exclusive information. The delicate border and thin line within the font create an elegant appeal, overall emphasising the importance of it.
The pages are numbered boldly in red to create easy reference. The use of simple black, white and red is affective as we can repeatably relate these colours to the name of the magazine as this is also repeatably in red and white.
In the main picture we can see a wide shot of the band The Courteeners. The foggy background creates a sense of mystery influencing our persona of the band- perhaps they are quite mysterious or the sound of their music is. The quote below references to a particular band member showing off, 'He's just showing off' as the reader we can assume this is about the man standing in the font with the white t-shirt. This picture supports this quote as we see the band member styled in sunglasses although we can clearly see it is foggy and most likely not sunny. Therefore the use of glasses when not needed could be seen as 'showing off'.
There is a smaller image below presenting Nick Cave. The positioning of the text referencing to both pictures is affective as it clearly relates to the image as it is based on top of it yet it not blocking any main features.


Spin magazine contents

The masthead 'Spin' is again presented in the top left corner for easy reference. It is partly covered yet each letter is readable, therefore does not affect it, the repeatable positioning also allows the reader to know what it says.
The magazine chooses to use 'Features' to title the page instead of the obvious 'contents'. This makes the content of the features seem more interesting as the term 'contents' describes the things included yet the term 'features' describes an article devoted to a particular topic - which seems to be more interesting.
The layout seems to be less organised than Q magazine's content page, yet i find that this one is more affective as it works around the main image of the celebrity making her seem more important. The positioning of the page numbers aligned beside the text rather than within the text works better as it is clearer to pick out the page number referencing to the sub-headings.
Each sub-heading is much bolder compared to the text beneath, again making the text clearer. The font seems to be similar to the font of the masthead 'Spin' relating the content back to the magazine.
The use of colour is very basic, blue is used to highlight certain aspects such as underlining 'Features', highlighting the page numbers and forming a box around text. This text includes information about the make-up artists, hair stylists and photographer, this information may not be very valuable to the readers yet builds a good reputation for the magazine as it shows that it values their employees.
The main image is of Duffy, she seems to be having fun rather than dramatically posing revealing her personality, this is supported not only by the quote in the top hand corner but the text beneath the sub-heading 'Duffy'. The quote is supported by the image as she loves music, this is shown through her relaxed grasp on to the guitar. The features text supports the image as she is "dismissed as a Winehouse wannabe" yet the image reveals her personality showing she is independent.