Contents Page Conventions

What is a contents page?

The contents page is usually found on page 3 of the magazine and its purpose is to inform readers of what type of articles are inside the magazine. It includes page numbers, title of articles and different pictures. The contents page allows the reader to navigate around the magazine without any trouble and find specific articles they want to read. The contents page is one of the most important key features of the magazine because it gives the magazine a 'purpose', it also allows the reader to understand what genre the magazine is.

Layout of the magazine

The contents page has similar conventions to the front cover such as having the masthead at the top of the page and images must be included Usually the layout would have 2 to 3 columns and go either side of the main image, this makes the articles easier to read therefore the reader can find different articles quickly. Just like the front cover the contents page has a main image, this image relates to the featured article as it is the main focus of that magazine issue, however the contents page does include other smaller images as the contents page should be have an equal amount of images and text, this makes the contents page more interesting and allows the reader to visually work out what else will be inside the magazine. The article titles and page numbers are found next to each other which helps the reader to quickly find different articles inside the magazine to read.

NME magazine's contents page is a perfect example of this, it follows the conventions of having a main image with 3 different columns around it, its easy to read and doesn't look too busy however they could improve it by including more pictures as there is more text than pictures.

Masthead & Subheadings

The masthead of the contents page usually is at the top of the page and in a sans serif font so it is big, bold and easy to read by the reader. It will usually read 'Contents' or may have the front cover masthead to show consistency and fluency. Every contents page needs subheadings so that the readers are able to easily and quickly navigate around the magazine, they will be able to find specific articles they want to read. Subheadings will be 'Reviews' 'Regulars' ETC. and will have article pages and titles underneath them.

COLOUR

The colour scheme of a contents page will either be completely the same or similar to the front cover and the rest of the magazine this is to make it consistent throughout which makes it look professional. This also allows the readers to understand the genre and theme of the magazine, for example a brightly coloured magazine using colours such as pink, blue and purple will usually a pop magazine. Also it allows the readers to understand if the magazine is a special issue suchs as Halloween or Christmas editions.