Identifying the conventions of contents pages

These are the content pages found in various issues of the Kerrang magazine, which is a music magazine specialising in the Rock genre. From the collage above, several common conventions can be identified in relation to the creation of a contents page. After looking at collage, it is evident that the discourse structure used within the composition of the page revolves around a contents banner (which is placed at the top in a bold, distorted sans-serif font; featuring the date and masthead) and several article-related pictures which is placed either on the left or the right; this is then followed by the body of text containing conventions such as: page numbers, descriptions (also known as blurbs) and titles of articles (usually placed with bold text). It is also evident that the colour yellow is used frequently, which may reflect the brand of the magazine and the genre it is covering; the colour yellow may act as a theme of the magazine due to the colour being used so frequently. At the bottom the contents pages appears to be editor's notes or information, with subscription information. In terms of the font size, it appears that fonts no bigger than 28 pt and no smaller than 10 pt has been used.

Above is a collage of front covers for Kerrang magazine. Similar to the contents pages, the front covers follow a certain discourse structure in terms of visual layouts, syntax and colour - in which make the house style and brand image for the magazine. However, the front covers of Kerrang use different fonts at different sizes with differences in colour; mainly to appeal to the target audience and to stand out on the shelves. The common conventions used on the front covers consist of: main image, masthead (usually behind the main image), pugs, banners, strap lines, headline and cover lines respectively. All of the front covers feature large main images in which take up majority of the A4 space; this is so they can be seen by the audience and act as a visual lead in for the fans. In addition, all covers feature a pug offering content such as posters or the chance to win tickets - these things appeal to the target audience. In terms of headlines, they are presented in big bold sans serif fonts, all which possess a distorted look which reflects the genre. Unlike the contents page where the colour yellow is commonly used, the front cover of the magazines have different colour schemes relating to which band/artist is on the front cover - this may reflect their personality or the their type of music.