Research - analysing contents page

Kerrang! Magazine’ contents page has a simple layout that is ideal for the reader to easily look for what they want to read about. This contents page is loaded with images of bands and artists; there are also images of other issues of Kerrang! The largest image on the page is of a Scottish band, ironically the largest image on the page is the only one that is printed in black and white. The band members in this photograph are dressed in black clothing. Two of the band members are accessorized with black and white items. On the left this band member is wearing a white scarf and also has a black sunglasses hanging from his jumper. On the right this band member also has black sunglasses hanging from his jumper. Ideally this photograph has an all-white background, this contrast of colours between the black and the white and the fact that the image is printed in black and white makes the image stand out the most against all the other images surrounding it.
The other images around the main image are in colour. Each image has been photographed at different angles as high angle shots, medium close-up, medium long, medium, and long shots. Some photographs have a bright lighted background whereas the other photographs have a black, dull or white background.
Initially I researched that Kerrang! Magazine is aimed at those who listen to heavy metal and rock music. It is a niche magazine as it aims to a distinct segment of the market, in this case the rock genre. However, it also includes different sub-genres of rock such as emo (MCR), rap-metal (RATM), classic rock (Red hot chilli-peppers) and gothic rock (HIM). I also established that Kerrang! is specifically aimed at the age group of 14-21.
Generally, the images on the contents page corroborate with the image on the front cover of Kerrang! The main costume colour scheme of the bands/artists on the contents page is black and dark colours similar to the colour scheme of My Chemical Romance on the front cover. Similar bands to My Chemical Romance have been plastered on the contents page inferring that if the target audience are interested in the band on the front cover they may be interested in reading about similar bands.
The colours used on this page are yellow, black, white and red. These colours are the same colours that were used on the front cover with the exception of orange and have a similar style to the front cover. However, in contrast this page uses a different font to the front cover. The fonts used on this page are not as dramatic as the front cover and it makes the page seem rather calm and less dramatic the fonts are in lower case letters giving the page a casual look. The font is not aimed to stand out as much in contrast to the cover. Here, the images are the most important as they are what stands out the most.
The information on this page is divided into three main sections. The two main sections with the most significant information are the ‘image’ section and the ‘page number’ section. These sections are the most important not only because they hold the key information but also because it is the first thing the reader will tend to look for. Therefore, the layout of this contents page has been structured to ensure that the ‘image’ section is the first thing the reader will look at. This section has one large image of a band with the page number in the corner, and then beside and underneath it there are several smaller images of band and artists with page numbers, showing the reader who will be featured on each page. This is convenient for the reader as they will easily and quicker for them to decide what/who they want to read about-images are a perfect way to engage attention. The second main section is simply a column providing snippets of information about what is going to be on each page and where to find it. This section uses the colours yellow, black and white. The key words are highlighted in yellow and black standing out against the rest of the black text in the column. Just underneath, is an advertisement offering readers to order issues of Kerrang! Promoting its delivery service of its issues, which could help increase their profit. The third section on the page is the editor’s comment and the title. The editor’s comment is a short paragraph with a small image of another magazine issue. Beside the editors comment, underneath the title ‘contents’ there is a quotation in a medium size font from someone featured in the magazine. The size font implies its level of importance on the page. The quotation is short and underneath it the name of the speaker is highlighted in bold to catch the reader’s eye. The whole structure of the contents page tells me that this magazine has been organised in a way in which the editor feels best appropriate for its audience.




Clash Magazine’ contents page has a defined layout structure. It has a bright mid-blue background with mid close shot image of a celebrity. The celebrity’s costume consists of a t-shirt that is a similar colour to the background; this is effective because it is as if part of his body is blended into the background. The celebrity appears as a God-like figure of Jesus, he is looking up – this pose makes him seem happy about something above him. The background colour makes it look like he is looking up to the sky holding his arms halfway up. The tattoos on the upper part of his arms draw attention to the position of his arms. The length of his hair and his beard and moustache emphasises his image as God-like.
Overlapping the central image is information arranged into 3 columns stating what is on each page and where the reader can find it. On the left hand side of the columns are three small images of different bands and artists. The editor has chosen three totally opposite images which contrast each other. I assume the editor has purposely chosen three images that have different contexts – the first, is an image similar to the central image a dark background with a close mid shot of the celebrity. The second image contains 2 men who appear to be in a garden, this could be a recreation of ‘Adam and Eve’ as one of the men is holding an apple and this image supports the religious vibe of the page. The third image is of a band photographed with a retro background. Just above the three small images is a short paragraph about the ‘cover feature’ defining who he is. This is relevant for those readers who may not be familiar with him. Overall the formation of this contents page gives the impression that this magazine is aimed at an older audience.
In contrast to Kerrang’s contents page we can see very obvious differences. Previously I stated that Kerrang’ contents page layout was ‘simple’ however in comparison to Clash’ layout it is fairly complex due to the amount on the page. However, the amount of images used in each contents page makes it clear of their target audience. Kerrang appeals to a younger generation where as Clash appeals to an older audience. There is more use of text in Clash as it is assumed the older audience prefers to read rather than just look at images. Whereas in Kerrang many images are used in order to attract and engage their audience’s attention. The columns of information in Clash are arranged into sub-headings containing relevant information under relevant titles-which is useful for the reader to easily find what they want to read about. The information in Kerrang is divided into many sections telling readers what type of articles/news there is and where it can be found. There are many things that Kerrangs contents page contains that Clash does not such as the actual title- contents, the issue number and the editor’s comment. Kerrang has overloaded their information and images on the page whereas Clash has broken down its information and images leaving the page with a huge amount of space which does not look empty as it is filled with the central image which is basically the background of the entire page.