Contents page analysis 1

When analysing the cover page of “Q” magazine, the first feature that I notice is the main image. The viewer is instantly drawn to the scenery surrounding the band “Courteeners” proving to be set in a deserted island in the countryside. The image has been captured as a low angled shot, emphasising the look of superiority within the band in comparison to the rest of the world.  It is clear to see that the depth of field has been kept to a low number to enable a sharp image of the band members whilst the background is made to look foggy, grainy and dull. The band members are wearing casual outfits, showing the level of relaxation and up to date music to the viewers. Focusing on the orientation, facial expressions and general mise-en-scene of the image, the band has portrayed themselves as magnificent, powerful and appealing.

The colour scheme of the magazine has been kept to three main colours, red, black and white. The images shown have been made to stand out with a tiny use of blue, purple, green and grey to grab the reader’s attention.  For this section, the review has been written about a different artist, showing differentiation between the two bands whilst including a more visually appealing contents page. Black and white are two colours used to keep a clear, easily read, bold piece of writing. These colours keep the contents page clear and easily read whilst using colours that resemble the main bands genre. Furthermore, a professional look is given to the contents page by not over powering the page with too many bright colours that may suggest a lower level of maturity.  The use of red has been used to highlight key words and bullet numbering to clearly underline the page numbers so that the audience can find what they’re interested in reading. I feel that the producer of the magazine has specifically chosen red because it’s an outgoing, bright colour that alerts people to then have an interest in the contents. The colour scheme for the contents page is the same colours used for the front cover of Q magazine. I feel that this is to show a sense of unity within the whole magazine. Lastly, the “Oasis Special!” has been written in gold to emphasise the difference between this and the rest of the magazine, showing superiority.

The writing on the contents sheet has been kept to a minimum to keep the reader interested. The use of bullet points and separated sections makes it easier for the viewer to see what they want to and have the choice of reading different sections after seeing the subheading. The writing has been written in capital letters to create the feel of urgency and excitement whilst the font has been chosen so it is easily read so it is less likely that elder audiences will not get the chance to read it. This is also encouraged by increasing the font size to 12/14, however, the writing that has been sectioned off under their appropriate subheadings has been changed to a size that is difficult to read. This has been done to give the audience enough persuasion to open the correct page number and find out more information with added promotional adverts on that specific page. 

Q magazine’s masthead stay’s fixed within every issue. The Masthead has been included at the top left and centered bottom of the contents page to create the feel of unity once again. At the bottom left of the page is a section that is designed to show all of the features that are included in a Q Magazine each month. This is to show the regulars of the magazine to persuade audiences to subscribe into purchasing the magazine each month without fail.
For further information on Q magazine, two email addresses have been included at the top of the page whilst the “G Mail” has been noted further down the magazine with the page number listed. Lastly, there are different shades of grey used as shading for the background colour. The colour descends lighter as the text comes to an end.