Main Task: Analysis of Existing Magazines - Contents Page

'Vibe' magazine's model is positioned on the bottom left hand corner, initially framing the page as she is lay on the ground with her legs up. Her legs also form a 'V' shape representative of 'Vibe' magazines logo, behind the star. The V uses is transparent with a white outline, subtly showing it's presence without taking attention away from the main star. By showing bare legs in a revealing choice of clothes, the magazine continues to promote sex appeal, directing the readers attention to Ciarra's legs. Her legs on the other hand, influence the idea of visual heirarchy, helping to form a 'Z' shape on the page. The postioning of the word 'contents' looks quirky and original, linking to the persona of the magazine, since it is broken up into 3 sections, making it more appealing and eye catching for the reader.The text itself slots itself into the background that is left, eliminating some of the white space, yet still manages to look professional and interesting. By splitting the text with subheadings, the information is broken down, allowing the reader to find exactly what interests them and direct themselves through the magazine easily.

Three different fonts are used, in addition to the subheading and title fonts, which separated the different types of information i.e. the article names, page numbers and those involved in production.
The overall layout for the text is simple, yet sophisticated, making it fit for purpose and allows the reader to direct themselves round the product easily. This is supported by the idea that there are a total of 3 pages of contents, breaking up the information so that the audience is not overpowered by information.

Vogue have kept a simple and sophisticated approach to their contents page to match the rest of the magazine, to keep with their house style and the feel of the magazine. The main heading,  which uses a 'serif' font, gives the overall image sophistication and class. The title only uses one colour and in addition to this, keeps it all lower case breaking away from conventions (Most contents pages that I had found use uppercase letters).

The contents page only includes one image, which emphasizes the main article, drawing the audiences attention to the image, whilst also keeping the page tidy. The long shot image, allows the reader to view everything on the page and as it is a fashion piece, the audience is able to focus on what she is wearing. 

 The background is simple, dark and compliments the colours in her outfit and accessories. 

 'Cover Stories' is placed over the image, allowing the audience to notice the main features of this issue. By placing the section over the image, the audience would be more likely to read it as they would be looking at the image already.

On the right third of the page, there's a section where other things are featured. Unlike the 'Cover Stories, these are features that are less dominant than those on the cover therefore separated. In addition, the right third text lines up with the heading 'Contents' which makes it look tidy and less cluttered. The guttering and borders stop inks running in production, again keeping it neat and tidy, whilst also making everything look organised. 

The use of 'Special Features' makes the magazine look exclusive against competition, as Vogue is seen as luxury/special. Alternatively, this draws the readers attention to this column as the articles are 'special' potentially interesting them. 

Vogue have continued with their house style throughout their product i.e. black, white and red. Black is considered a classic colour, and since Vogue focuses on classic, high end, expensive fashion, it is appropriate to represent these factors. Additionally, the white and red prove a suitable cobination to the use of black, as they look simple, contrast the colours yet compliment the whole appearance. 

 The contents page for 'Q Magazine' continues with the house style of black, red and blue, relating back to the rest of the products.

The image of Lana Del Rey is larger than the other images used on the page, and not all of the image is showing, which gives the audience a chance to think about the content of that particular article. The extreme close up shot adds a sense of mystery whilst also becoming quite dominant, showing that she is the main focused, supported by the camera zooming into her face. The close up also reverts back to the cover shoot she featured in, promoting her album 'Born To Die', and the emphasis on the blood on her face (as well as on the front cover of the issue) connotes the literall idea of 'death' and danger. 

The headlines and features split into sections, each with different subheadings.  It is written in ‘L’ shape, which is conventional for contents pages in magazines as it frames the page. As it is a convention for Q, it shows that the magazine hasn't changed. There are a few images based on some of the front cover sub-headings, drawing the audiences attention to these articles, whilst the big page numbers placed on the images direct the audience straight to what they may be looking or. 

Q breaks away from convention by placing the date and issue number for this issue at the bottom of the page, whereas usually it is in the top right hand corner. Instead, Q takes the opportunity to promote its tag line 'Discover Great Music' suggesting that they are the main source of discovery of new artists, set aside from their competition.