Contents page analysis 2

Within "Kerrang!" magazine, I found a contents page that I found most inspired me with ideas and techniques that I can include in my own contents page later on. There are six photographs used within the page, filling almost ¾ of the space given. The main image has been clearly outlined by the producer of the magazine to assemble which order the viewer will analyse the photographs. This image has been enlarged; four times the size of the other 5 images to create a sense of importance. Having an array of different camera angles such as close ups, medium close ups, low angled shots and establishing shots, portrays each emotional value attached to each photograph which gives the viewer an insight into the kind of music that the artist plays. Additionally, the appearance of the 6 band images always relate to the genre of music that Kerrang is based around. The images show the “rock and roll” side of the band members, emphasising enjoyment and entertainment. 

The colour scheme of the article has stuck to three dominant colours, yellow, grey and black. These colours have been used so that they can be attracted by both males and females which will promise more magazines to be sold in the long run. The use of bright yellow has been placed overlaying the black background of the masthead to prove contrast. These colours are often associated with caution signs, which may suggest that the producer has created this effect to show excitement, shock and a bombshell ready to be exploded within the article. After research, I have found that the “Contents page” appearance always stays in the same position with the same font, however changes size, depending on the amount of text and images on the specific article.

At the top left of the article, shows a paragraph written by the chief editor.  Although this section has been organised into a small formation, it is the largest part of writing produced on the contents page. Having read the editors comment, the viewer will automatically feel a connection between themselves and the editor whilst getting the vibe that they are being directly spoken to. The signature at the end of the paragraph gives the article a professional look whilst the extra image of a previous Kerrang! Magazine gives further promotional advantages.  On the other hand, the previous magazine has been introduced to link ideas between the two magazines.  This connects the youth of the target audience to the band members mentioned, introducing involvement.

The layout of the contents page has been designed to create an organised, tidy look. The different sections have been set out as if to look like a professional newspaper or on the other hand, a typographic grid. This makes the magazine easy to understand and read whilst the page numbers and subheadings have been neatly arranged to make it elementary for the audience to find the section that they’re most interested in. The subheadings arranged to the right of the page, clearly state “this week”. This promotional technique shows the audience that the magazine is available each week for purchasing. The producer hopes that achieving this advertisement will increase the amount of viewers each week, as they can subscribe to the magazine with ease.

At the top right of the magazine, is a quote written by Kirk Hammett from Metallica. This is a selling point for the audience by proving that the magazine is well known by famous artists. The comical side to the quote makes the article high spirited whilst keeping the reader interested by having a well-known music artist comment on the article.

Lastly, the magazine does not include the “Kerrang!” masthead. Usually, a magazine will use the same masthead that is used on the front cover, on their contents page. This would be to introduce a sense of unity within the magazine. Unfortunately, Kerrang! has not done this. I feel this may be to include more important details such as date lines, selling lines, barcodes and main cover lines.