Contents Page Analysis 1

This contents page from Q magazine is a double page spread, this is unconventional for music magazines but Q is released once a month so has more content that a weekly magazine. They are also recognised for getting exclusives with the biggest names in music and their contents page portrays this through images.

The first thing the audience is positioned to look at is the focal point of an image of Gorillaz, this also shows Q’s target audience – no larger text backs up the image except an enlarged page number. So if a consumer was a fan of Gorillaz they would know immediately where to look, if they are not then the feature is also listed in the right column. This concept applies to all images used. It adds variation to the layout of the media text and creates the ideology to the consumer that if they don’t require text to recognise the artist then they are a true fan. The layout of images here is central with text on the outside, this creates the illusion there is not as much to read as it is so separated. It also draws the audience’s eye across the page via the images. 3 images are places out of the centre to almost overwhelm the audience with images and make them read minimal text here and move on to another page of the magazine.

The only colours used here are white, red and black. Much the same as NME, however both magazines have different feels because Q is more editorial and NME is aimed at a lower class demographic. Q’s contents page is made to look classy and linear. The header uses Q’s logo to add life to quite plain typography. The issue number is also stated, as Q is traditionally a collector’s magazine and it still markets itself as this.

This contents page also uses juxtaposition and pops of large font and red to prioritise the consumer’s eye. This is common across all media text of this genre and makes it a conventional code.

The text on this contents page is very structured and organised this connotes serious, classic journalism within the magazine. The images however are sometimes tilted; this connotes relaxation and fits with the current zeitgeist of laziness. This markets Q as a classic music magazine with a modern edge and influence.