Codes and Conventions of a magazine contents page

Today in class we analysed some magazine contents page so that we could come up with the codes and conventions.

• The masthead is also on the contents page in order for the audience to familiarise themselves with the rest of the magazine and to advertise their publishing brand
• 'Contents Page' is at the top of the page so that it is clear it's the contents page
• 'Contents Page' is in a different font and bigger than the rest of the text on the page
• Page numbers are used so that it is easier for the readers to find what they are looking for
• They are also page numbers in the corner of the images which correspond to the right page
• The page numbers are usually in a unique font
• There's usually one main image of the band or solo artist which the article is about which corresponds with the central image off the front cover
• All the pictures relate to the stories inside
• There are usually captions underneath the images
• There are under 10 images on the page
• The date and issue number is repeated on the contents page
• Contact details; the website; telephone number; email and fax
• The website is usually in the bottom right hand corner of the page, it's the last thing the audience reads because it is the least important
• Subscription details are shown on the contents page
• They often credit the photographer for the central image of the front cover
• The contents page is usually layed out in 2-3 columns
• Between each section is a line gap so that it is easier to read
• The colour scheme is consistent to the front cover of the magazine
• The contents page uses 3-4 colours so that it is easy on the eye
• A consistent font is used with font size 11
• There are usually 20 regular and feature articles
• Contents page often have an editors letter to welcome the readers and give them an introduction as to what's inside that issue
• The website is included so that the reader can find out more information about the music magazine. This is usually at the bottom of the page as it's not the most useful piece of information for the reader