Analysis of contents pages

The contents heading is bold and striking, however the font differs from that of the front cover, it may be that the contents page has a particular style that Is followed in each issue. The date of the issue is positioned directly under the heading; this is a very important part of the magazine. The page seems to be divided into the rule of thirds; this method has created three columns of which feature text and images. The images within the left and right columns are of the same size; this ensures the layout is clear for the readers. The images used will relate to stories or articles included in the magazine. A short summary or quote is positioned underneath for clarity and to gain more appeal from the readers. Although the text attached to the images differs in style, for example some is in capitals, italic, bold etc., the fact that the rest of the layout is simple in terms of colour and positioning allows this to work, and there is still clear navigation around the page and for the rest of the magazine because everything else is simplistic and consistent. The main stories are seen on this page with their page numbers overlapping, taking up a fraction of the image, they are bold and larger than the text beneath them; this again adds to the clarity of the layout and makes sure the navigation is easy for the readers – user friendly.The centre of visual interest would be the central image of Pete Doherty even though the splash of red in the bottom corner does become a distraction. Direct mode of address is given as he appears to be looking straight at the camera; his weary and disillusioned expressions links with the comment of needing more sleep, with bags under his eyes he appears a shady character. The background is also very dull, waiting to reveal something brighter. The background colour of this magazine is plain and allows creativity on the page; this has mostly been seen with the different fonts used. All text is black, apart from what is included in the red box, so that it can be seen clearly against the background. It is apparent that some of the images on this page have been edited; this may have been done to relate to the music style of the artists or to present them in a particular way. For example the image in the top right hand corner is focusing on the individuals rather than the setting to outline the vastness of people on tour. There may have been editing with lighting to add clarity to the image. The advertisement is striking as the vibrant colours red and yellow have not been featured anywhere else on the page. Incentives are often included immediately on the front cover and followed through to the contents page, they are deliberately made to be eye-catching, this is usually a dominating factor people look for when choosing their magazine.The extra list of content is included for added interest and information about inside stories. Faint grey lines have been used to divide the page, this keeps the layout organised. It could be suggested that the magazine aims to satisfy people in late teens and above as the textual content is not suitable for anybody younger. ‘You’re fucked’ is not language for tame individuals. The content reflects the target audience of dominantly males effectively.

The contents heading is written in serif font which is clear and simple for readers. It is surrounded by a red box, outlined with black and with the magazine name in white, sticking to the house colours. Also the page numbers are large and bold, taking up a fraction of the images. The bottom image is portrayed as less important due to its position however it still grabs the attention as it is tilted creating the feeling of the image coming out of the page. Cheryl Cole seems to be turning her body away but her head is tilted slightly in towards the page but her eyes are looking down,  seemingly to direct the readers to the image below. Also the fact that we have no direct address, the element of disguise is continued. The lighting has created shadows; the light is directed from the other side, it seems as though something is drawing her in to the page slightly, this directs the readers towards other features as the main image is the first thing that is looked at. The element of danger is carried through the magazine, her clothing being ripped and black and it appears to be studs on her low cut top, also revealing her as a sex icon. Other artists are featured on the right hand side of the page to add further interest and to allow the readers to find specific articles to their preference without having to read through the whole magazine, this is a people pleaser.

The black and white effect creates an element of mystery which connotes something is yet to be discovered. This is also suggested as the heart is the only object that is colourful on the page, the fact that a hand, presumably a woman’s, is grabbing it from behind, portrays Kanye as being in a vulnerable position, maybe the article features shows that beneath the surface his heart and emotions are fragile. This is also reflected in the cover lines of the front cover ‘the truth hurts’. The layout for this contents page is bold and simplistic the main attraction is the main image which is clearly artistic and is set in-front of the V from the magazine name; the editors may be suggesting that Kanye is their ideal icon for the genre of the magazine. This contents page contrasts with the splash of colour presented on the front cover. The lack of colour here could suggest his emptiness. But also his facial expressions appear very similar in the two. In the front cover Kanye seems separated from the colour, he has a dark shadow surrounding him, this could suggest his grown inability to let people in because of the thought of life/love hurting him.