Q Magazine Contents Page Deconstruction

Music Magazine Contents Page Deconstruction

The contents page of ‘Q’ includes all the codes and conventions when making a magazine. Unlike in most music magazines the images have been taken out of the studio indicating that this magazine will be more interesting and different than others.  It is evident by the main image who the main member of the band is as he is standing more forward than the others and he is wearing sunglasses. Because the sky on the image doesn’t look too bright, by wearing sunglasses it may show that the band is always in the spotlight. The image is anchored by a caption and page number letting the reader know they will find this article on that page.

                It includes the mast head in the top left corner. Also by the words contents in bold white writing allows the reader to clearly see that this is the contents page. The contrast between the black and white also make it stand out. The colour scheme is clear as it includes red, black and white. This may be a running theme throughout all Q magazines allowing its reader to easily identify the magazine.

                The magazine includes essential information such as issue number, date and also web links allowing readers to access more information if they want to. The use of the MySpace url allows readers who have MySpace to visit that site. At the time this magazine was printed it would have been popular to go on MySpace so it is current and gives readers another way to access the magazine or additional information. They are positioned in the top right so that people can see them.

                The contents page of this magazine is very organised and colour coordinated which may reflect the style of the magazine. Although there is quite a lot of text, because of the layout and organisation it is still easy to read and easily navigable for the reader.

                The page numbers and titles are in bold allowing the reader to find what they are looking for easily. It also provides an insight of what will be included on each page which allows the reader to see if they are interested in reading that article before reading the whole thing.

                The magazine also includes a separate section titled ‘OASIS SPECIAL’ which is in gold which could indicate that this is important. By including the word special in the title it makes the reader believe they are getting more for their money which may encourage then to buy this magazine more often.

Musical Stages Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Musical Theatre Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Because I am undecided whether to do a Musical Theatre magazine or a Chart Music magazine I have decided to analyse both genres of magazine.
  This is not a typical magazine as it does not include plugs or any sell lines which indicates it is not a typical magazine you would find on a shelf and that you have to be interested in musical theatre to know about this magazine. Because of this the target audience is musical theatre fans. Also because it is Britain’s only Glossy Musical Theatre magazine you would expect it to be released monthly.

The masthead 'Musical Stages' indicates that it covers many different areas informing its audience of where shows are touring and dates. It stands out against the black background making it visible, although this would not be as important if it wasn't on a shelf as the audience don’t have to notice it amongst other magazines and from a distance in a shop. 

By not having a barcode it also indicates that it is more common to subscribe online to this magazine rather than buy each magazine individually. Even though it does not include a barcode it still includes the essential information like issue number, date and price. However, it isn’t in the typical place you would normally find it.

The main image makes it clear that inside you will find information about 'Shrek the Musical', maybe information like tour dates and leading actors. It may also be a tool to advertise helping to promote and give coverage to new musical, which this would have been at the date of release shown on the cover. 

It includes elements of mise en scene as it indicates to the audience where this musical is set. This is also helped by the characters costumes and make-up as it is clear that it will include an ogre, donkey and princess, which also may indicate to people what the musical is about without giving too much away. It leaves the reader in some sort of suspense as they don’t know what has happened before this photograph was took or what will happen after, which may encourage them to buy tickets.