Analysis of existing magazines CONTENTS 1

The masthead of this contents page is very effective as not only does it carry on the theme of their housetyle, with black white and a splash of red on the important parts, but it also allows the name of the magazine and contents stand out on the use of a black banner. The page has thoroughly used banners to highlight the most important text. This is effective as it allows information to stand out on the page it also looks modern and web based with sans serif fonts and blocks on the page. This directly addresses the target audience as they are of the younger generation and therefore would not be interested in traditional old fashion fonts and text. Additionally on the main black banner they have included the issue number date and website, this is effective as not only does it encourage people to use the website but it also encourages people to look at Q magazine as a collector’s item.  Music fans will buy the magazine and will keep buying after every issue that they have enjoyed.

The picture they have used completely dominates the page and is a close up medium shot which makes the pictures more personal for the reader. The use of camera angle allows a side shot of Adele yet she is looking directly at the camera, from this we look into her eyes and we see her face more than anything else as her shoulders and neck are out of focus. This is effective as the reader feels more private with Adele and is encouraged to read her article.

Her makeup up is simple yet is very contemporary ‘mod’ and her extended eyelashes and eyeliner exaggerate the 60’s theme in the magazine. Her elegant features express her as a fashion icon as well as a genius in the music industry. This is effective as it appeals to the girls who read the magazine if they are interested in northern soul fashion as well as their music.

Additionally, the second, smaller image underneath anchors the ‘review’ masthead. The review is unconventional to have on other magazine contents pages so it is placed on its own in the right bottom corner. The image is a long shot of the last shadow puppets; they are looking into the camera which makes us believe that they want us to read their reviews. The image is also effective as they look laid back with straight facial expressions which is the whole feel to their music, he image portrays the characters that they are.