Olivia LyonsAS MediaFoundation Portfolio>Product Research

Contents Page Analysis The outline of the V resembles the V in the magazines title, Vibe. The use of the outline and by just having the one letter makes it much more subtle meaning the audience’s attention isn’t drawn away from the main feature on the page. However, the effectiveness of having this in the primary optical area means the audience are reminded of what magazine it is they are reading.

The models legs are also positioned to create the shape of a V, representing the magazines title. This also creates an image of loyalty from the artist to the magazine and portrays the magazine as being trustworthy, current and reliable.

The masthead for the contents page is in white which contrasts against the dark background making it stand out from everything else on the page. The layout of the masthead is also quite quirky, with the letters separated over three lines rather than just straight across the page. This represents the magazines genre and the artists

The house style is consistent, using plain colours such as black, grey and white. This creates a sophisticated image which is portrayed through the music and artists that the magazine represents. The colours are simple but the image and masthead make the contents page effective.

The model in the main image is represented in a very stereotypical way for a female within the music industry. She is wearing minimal clothing, showing off her body and the way she is lay shows off her self-confidence. This attracts the audience as women and young girls see this as a role model and it will appeal to men.

The main cover lines are in bold separating them from the rest of the text. The purpose of this is so they stand out and are more visible from everything else.

The cover stories are separated by a dotted line; this is done so that it is easier for the audience to quickly see what the edition is covering. Underneath these titles are the page numbers smaller features and small cover lines. This is to ensure all the magazines content is displayed on the contents page so that it appeals to the audience.

Olivia LyonsAS MediaFoundation Portfolio>Product Research

Contents Page Analysis

The use of including the magazine masthead on the contents page means the audience are reminded of what magazine it is. Also it means a consistent house style is being kept as it appears in the same place on the front cover.

By replacing the usual “contents page” heading with “this week” immediately identifies the magazine as being regularly published meaning its content will be current and up to date.

The “Band Index” is a feature included on all NME contents pages. By including it NME are offering something additional than other music magazines and this could be a main reason as to why people buy the magazine. Because of this the heading for it is in the primary optical area meaning it captures the audience’s attention right away.

An advertisement for a subscription to the magazine is included in hope of making NME more money. The advantage of having this on the contents page is that this is a page that everyone who buys the magazine will look at. As it is in the dead corner, the use of the colour yellow captures the audience’s attention as it stands out from other colours used (black, red, and white).

Having a mini article included on the contents page gives the reader a ‘taste’ of what will be included in the magazine. By having it about Kasabian, such a popular artist within the genre NME is based on, the reader is persuaded into buying the magazine so that they can read the full article.

Each section of the magazine is sorted underneath the four different cover lines. The white writing stands out against the black background which captures the audience’s attention making it easy for them to find what they are looking for.