Contents page analysis - Mixmag

• The structure of this contents page for Mixmag magazine focuses around two main images. This contents page covers two pages and there is one large image on each, surrounded by text. Most text on these two pages are displayed as a simple list format in one single column, focusing most attention on the image. On the first page of the contents, there is one section titled ‘VIP’, featuring one-off articles and interviews. Naming a category of articles ‘VIP’ sounds exclusive and may add further interest to the reader. Also on this page is a section separated by dotted lines, dedicated to the free CD included with the magazine, featuring information on the artist and individual tracks. Other components such as the title, dateline and page number/website info are also separated by small dotted lines. On the second page there is a similar layout, only two more smaller images and four separate categories of articles including ‘fashion’ and ‘tunes’.

• There is a small amount of images features on the contents for Mixmag. The first page has one main image which relates to an article featured on the cover. Included on the image is a page number and caption so the reader can easily identify the significance of the photo, and if there is an interest, it is quick and simple to find the relating article. On the second page there is a similar concept, only along with one main image associated with a featured article on the front cover, two more smaller images are present that are linked to particular articles on that page. In general, the images tend to be snapshots, making the magazine appear casual and authentic.These pictures may interest the reader to certain areas of the magazine and engage them further with the content.

• The text visible on the top of these two pages includes the title of the page ‘contents’, the title of the magazine, and the date. These give the reader a convenient place to look where all basic information can be found. Having ‘Mixmag’ noticeable helps with ensuring that the reader does not forget the name of the magazine. Also visible across the two pages is credits for the front cover and website details. Very small fonts are used for the contents itself and if I were to be critical I would say it actually makes the information harder to access and less likely to catch your eye. There seems to be a lot of information displayed along with the name for each article, which is helpful, but also distracting. Slang is used such as ‘pics’ and ‘em’ and this helps the magazine relate to a 16-24 year old target audience.

• The colour scheme of this contents page is basic - black and white. These both heavily feature on the front cover and help reinforce Mixmag’s trendy, sophisticated style. White text on top of a black background is also stylish and ensures colour does not distract the reader from the content of the page.