Q Contents Page Analysis

This is Q Magazines front cover with its corresponding contents page. Q Magazine is a British based music magazine which began in 1986 and is published on a monthly basis. As displayed the feature is of Lana Del Rey - a popular american singer/songwriter who is the main focus of both the cover and the contents page. Although the colour scheme from the contents page does not match the cover directly, it still has elements which highlight the running theme of this issue ie; the images and the dominent colour of red. 

The largest image of the contents page is a extreme close up section of the artists face, from a male gaze this image can be quite seductive as it will give an intensity to the reader as she looks directly into the camera, hence this allows a relationship or feeling of inclusion to build between the feature and the magazine. She also seems to be bleeding from her right upper temple which parallel well with the cover title of "So what's so bloody good?" this running theme therefore reminds the reader of the main cover title as we can associate it with the largest image. This image also has a number written in white clear typeface inside a deep red square -  this is the most prominent page number within the contents page as it is the main feature and will be what majority of their audience for this issue will be buying the magazine for - to find out the latest about Lana Del Ray. 

The title of the contents page is in front of a plain white crisp background, done so that any darker shades put in front of it will stand out, in large font it titles "Q Contents." The letter Q is directly sued as the magazines logo which is a red box with a white Q - this is a well established music magazine claiming to be 'UK's biggest music magazine' therefore this iconic symbol will be a denotation code for their loyal readers. The colour scheme is also an important factor, it consists of reds, whites, blacks and any other colouring is from the photographed images, these simple primary colours stick to the main roots of the magazine who have always upheld this image. It is very minimalistic which achieves a house style of class and structure. 

The layout of the magazine is extremely orderly and has an essence of professionalism, this is a well established magazine and we as there readers would expect nothing less. The features are clearly stated within the magazine, however some titles are more emphasised than others as the publishers have manipulated the typeface to be bolder or larger so what they believe to be important issues are instantly directed upon their readers ie; '140 Songs To Download Now!'. In simple easy read san serif typeface all text is written in separate sections or anchoring an image relating to the issue. Majority of the text colours are black however under the image if the men dressed as bears with umbrellas there is a blurb in red, this is used to attract the attention of the reader. 

The mode of this issue is to be contemporary whilst staying sophisticated, this issue would target mainly Lana Del Rey's fan-base who are male and female from the ages of 14 - 30, however all lovers of music can be enticed into this magazine by contents such as interviews with rock bands (Kings Of Leon) or R&B hip hop artists (Jay Z and Kayne). Throughout the contents page there is no real distinguish in gender, there is a large close up of the female artist, however the other three images are all of males - this magazine is predominately based on the male demographic so this is a reason for using masculine colours such as black and red to entice these readers in enhanced by the use of majority male repensentation in the images. 

The contents images are of new upcoming artists and bands, this is to support the idea that Q magazine is aimed at a youthful, vibrant yet sophisticated audience - perhaps ranging from late teens to early thirties, who love music and are interested in the latest news in the music industry today. This also backs the mode of address for the magazine, the language used within the contents page is very informal, colloquial and straight forward to read. They speak to their audience in a way which is not patronising however still friendly but in a welcoming manner, this adds an element of fun, the reader can then believe this will be a exciting, positive magazine to read ie; "Plus: Two men dressed as bears!".

The other two images on the contents page are of British songwriter/rapper Professor Green and American rock band Kings of Leon. The mid shot image of the band is very dark and mysterious, this would be attractive for the readers who enjoy this type of music as the band members are all looking directly at the camera, this will create a sense for the reader as they are been directly looked upon, therefore feeling obliged to read the article, however the mid shot full length image of the laughing Pro Green contrasts as it seems much more relaxed. This laid back look welcomes a reader and entices them to 'sit back, and relax.' Each section within the magazine has a separate feature with a red title to make it eye catching and stand out contrasting with the black blurbed text and white foreground; all blurbs under the main headings are very simplistic, by not including a mass of information readers will want to flick through and find the article to finish it. It will also be easy to navigate as there are large boxes with the page number in a bold white typeface.