Research, contents page analysis, 4.

This magazine contents page contains 19 stories and 19 different sections. The contents page layout

matches the front cover, which creates synergy and a house style. The black writing is in serif font for the cover lines which is also continued on the contents page, the red colour is also a feature of the house style as it is used for the masthead, page numbers and fonts. The theme of vibrant colours on the front cover is also created on the contents page through the repetition of the cover picture (David Bowie) The colours on his face (blue and orange) are represented on the contents page on the Puff (2013 long-range forecast). There are 3 different columns of text and 12 images. The page numbers are a continuous size throughout and also aid in creating the house style as they are depicted in orange. The page numbers are mostly situated below the picture in PUFFS and in the right hand corner. There is not a lot of white space on this contents page as most of the pictures on the left hand side are arranged in a collage effect. There are also a variety of font sizes, the subheadings are consistently larger than the text underneath it. The text on the front cover 'Bowie Lives' is a different font to the rest if the text both on the front cover and contents page and is written in san serif.

This magazine is published by Bauer. The Q is featured three times. only 10 of the articles are featured with a picture. Each picture is shot in a different location. There are many pop artists featured on the contents page which represents the magazine genre, however there is also a large variance of genres (for example, rock) displayed which creates a hybrid genre which Q usually represents as it portrays a wide range of artists. I think the target audience of this magazine would be aimed at the slightly older generation because it represents slightly vintage artists for example: David Bowie. Mostly the colours are all quite dull and dark apart from the occasion splash of colour which could attract a slightly younger audience but definitely not children and teenagers as there are no shapes and bright colours displayed, in order to create a more mature effect. 

Representations include, Laura Mulvey's theory of the 'male gaze' however in the case of this magazine the model 'David Bowie' is attempting to attract the female gaze by showing his skin and appearing to be naked. 

Noticeable features on the contents page: 

The use of puffs shown in this screen grab makes the writing stand out against all the images in the background. Against the white background of the puff the writing is able to be read easily and the use of red, blue and black font means it is eye catching and is obviously a feature that the magazine creators would like the readers to see as they have drawn attention to the text effectively. 

 Kerning is the white space between the letters, the title 'headline' has the most white space as it is the largest font (about 24) because it is the name of the page, a slightly smaller font (about 16) is the subheadings for each column. The smallest amount of white space between the letters is displayed in the main body of text, this is because the text is a lot smaller (11) and not meant to be read at first glance by a potential reader  whereas  

the title and subheadings are larger because the purpose is to grab the readers attention as the subheadings may interest them, which will consequently make them buy the article.  

 

The banner allows the text behind it to stand out against the background, this draws attention to the subheading and therefore encourages the reader to find out what is included in the 'Q review'.

 

The caption beneath this picture has the purpose of describing the image and explaining in brief what the article will be about. This may attract the attention of the reader if they are interested in the artist for example.  

The buzzword in this article is in large font and stands out proficiently against the black background as it is depicted in white font. Again this grabs the attention of the reader. 

How this post has influenced my planning and creativity: 

I love the busy contents page, it makes is appear more interesting, i will use this type of format when creating my contents page.  I also like the way the artists that are being covered in the main story have been cut out and standing next to the contents page overlapping it slightly.