Analysing the Contents Page: Similar Product Research

Q Magazine October 2008 


This magazine's contents page is presented in a single page spread. The main story from inside the magazine is depicted on the top right side of the page alongside an image of "The Courteeners" to draw the reader's focus. The shot used to illustrate the main story is a long shot and the rest of the of the content's are displayed in a column going down the left side of the page. These other content's include an "Oasis Special" which is surrounded by a golden border, highlighting it's importance and again drawing the reader's focus. In total, the contents page for this magazine contains two images, one for the main story and one other to illustrate a review on "How to Buy by Nick Cave". One other thing that initially stands out to the reader is the red background colour to the column headers like "Features". This, like the BBC Music Mag previously analysed, draws the reader's attention and makes them look at the other features in the magazine, therefore making them interested. The genre of this magazine is indie/rock music and it appeals to an audience of young to middle aged men who are interested in and like Indie and Rock music. The male audience is backed up by the fact that the magazine content's page only features male's in the pictures used. The typography of the page is presented in seven different font sizes and a total of five different font styles. However, this magazine's contents page does not conform to a typical magazine as it does not portray the main image of the front cover on it's contents page.




Drummer Magazine January 2007   


Like the Q Magazine analysed above, this magazine's contents page is presented in a single page spread. The "Exclusive" main story of the magazine containing an article about "Dave Lombardo" is presented on the centre right side of the page and is again like Q magazine, illustrated by an image of the main feature.  All other contents from this magazine are shown down the left side of the page in a column. This contents page contains six images, one illustrating the main story, four others to illustrate the other contents within the magazine and one other to emphasise what the magazine is all about, drumming. The page uses a predominantly black and white colour scheme however it uses red for the headers to the other content's in the magazine to draw the reader's attention. The genre of this magazine is rock music and it appeals to an audience of young to middle aged men and people who are interested in drumming. You can tell that this magazine is aimed at a male audience by the fact that the images used are predominantly of male music artists. The typography of this content's page is presented in six different font styles and six different font sizes. Again, like Q Magazine, this magazine does not have the front cover presented on the contents page.

Shaun Casey