Detailed analysis of contents page

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CONTENTS TITLE

The contents title is included in the contents page so the reader knows that what they are reading is indeed the contents page. A bigger font is used than the rest of the contents page so it stands out and catches the reader’s eye. For Q magazine the title is in the top right hand corner next to the name of the magazine/logo.

NAME OF MAGAZINE

The name of the magazine is also put on the contents page as it stands our but also because in every magazine, the Name of the magazine has always been included on the contents page, for example, Q magazine has included the ‘Q’ in the top left hand corner.

MAIN IMAGE

In a contents page there is always the one main image which is bigger than the rest and this is normally for the feature article. The main image stands out and shows that this article is the main feature, so Gorillaz would most likely be the main image for the front cover.

TAGLINE

In some magazines, the contents page would also include the tagline that is on the front cover, repeating it. It continues to boast about the magazine, reminding the reader. However, in Q magazine, it does not repeat the tagline.

COLUMNS

The contents page of any magazine is set out in columns, this is because the information and the index for the contents page can be set out easier, for the reader to navigate about the articles. It is also easy for the editor to include sub headings in the index. Q magazine is set out into 4 columns, which includes the index and all the pictures in the contents page.

SMALLER IMAGES

A contents page also includes smaller images, along with the main image, this is because within the contents page the smaller images show any other interesting or little feature articles that are being included in the magazine that the target audience would be interested in. Q magazine has a number of smaller images included in the contents page along with the main image.

DATE/ISSUE NUMBER

The date and issue number can be found underneath or next to the contents title. The reader is very likely to see them when placed here. The issue number tells the reader what issue of magazine they are reading and shows the reader how many have been published. The date is normally written in smaller writing in one of the corners but it shows when the magazine was released.

EDITORS INTRODUCTION

The contents page would normally include an Editors Introduction, this is a short paragraph written from the Editor saying thanks and telling you about the magazine and any interesting features that might be included. However, Q magazine doesn’t have an Editors Introduction in the contents page.

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS

Subscription details are normally found within the contents page, in one of the bottom corners. It explains how the reader can subscribe to the magazine monthly or weekly and how much it would cost, normally giving you a good deal. Q Magazine does not include any subscription details in the contents page.

SUB-SECTIONS

Sub sections are part of the index within the contents page. The sub sections spilt up the index, into either categories or certain headings, this makes it easier for the reader to navigate the magazine and find what they are looking for. It is also easier to group relevant content in the magazine under one sub section.

INDEX

The index is one of the most important parts of a magazines contents page. It includes everything that will be included within the actual magazine, telling the reader where to find each article or exclusive content, along with a page number. Q magazine has quite a big index, indicating that there is a lot of content inside the magazine itself.

COLOUR SCHEME

The colours scheme for the contents page will normally consist of 3 of the exact same colours used on the front cover. For the contents page, Red, Black and white are the 3 colours used, easily relating to the magazine front cover. These colours are simple, yet make the magazine look interesting when used with each other.