Case Study part 3: Contents page

Analysing the contents of a magazine

The Marie Claire contents page follows the conventions needed for a contents page these include:

•  The layout – the contents page is set out in columns on both pages with one column running down the length of the magazine filled with several articles to choose from. It’s arranged in a very clear list so that you don’t get confused when trying to find a specific topic or article. On the first page of the contents there is a separate column for cover stories to separate if from the rest of the articles.

• Images – on the first page of the contents there is one main image that takes nearly half of the page. This image consists of a wide shot of a woman walking and looking directly at the audience making eye contact. Within the page there are only 2 more images which are a pair of shoes and a handbag; this is situated around the bottom right of the page in a much smaller size. Using the big image will attract the audience into seeing what article it follows through, and it also suggests that the editor wants the readers to view this particular article as it might be the main cover story.  On the second page of the contents there is a wider range of pictures used to take up the left hand side of the page. These pictures include a model which suggests a page on the latest fashion, a mise-en-scene from a film for an article about behind the scenes, a picture of a t-shirt which leads onto an article about personalised t-shirts, makeup products talking about the new beauty essentials and a mid-shot of Amanda Seyfried for her interview. These pictures are more or less the same size which could suggest they are of the same importance and there for the audience to view and have different options. There are numbers on the pictures indicating what page, which makes it easier for the readers.

• On the top of the page there is the name of the magazine clearly printed in black font which stands out and the word contents august below in capital letters, also in a different font which grabs the reader’s attention and makes it clear for people that collect that it’s an August edition.

• There is also information on subscription on the second page of the contents, which is in bold front and gives information about how to subscribe. It also says ‘subscribe by text now!’ which will attract readers as nowadays everyone has a mobile phone so this will encourage readers to subscribe. It also includes a picture of the front cover of the magazine.

• Contents: the contents are divided into categories with individual headings which stand out to the articles to make it clear for the readers. The categories include: fashion first, features, cover stories, kids special, fashion, beauty, every month and just for you. Within each article you also have an extra line of information as to what the article will be about.

Colours: 

The main colours used in the contents pages are: black, white, orange and red.

•      The colour black is used for the writing on the contents; these include the different categories, headings and subheadings. The words ‘contents august’ is also in black. The colour black is used because it stands out against the white which means the readers will be able to see the different categories clearly and not be confused.

•      The colour white is used for the background which keeps the page simple and crisp looking. White is a good colour to use as every colour goes with it and the editor can choose any theme for their pages. It also makes all the information and pictures stand out even more.

•      Orange and red is used on the first page of the contents for the cover stories sections which suggests they want the readers to view that section first as its most important. The box has a dip dye effect of orange transitioning to red which makes it more interesting so it will catch the eyes of the reader. This is also the same on the second page of the contents where the box informing people to subscribe uses the same dip dye effect.

In terms of font, they use the same font for the magazine name as this is known to be their own unique font which people recognise them as. The words ’contents august’, ‘cover stories’ and each subheadings use the same fonts which makes it stand out against the ordinary text used for the individual articles. The font is simple so it’s easy for the audience to read the information.

As this magazine is for female adults, especially working women, the language which is used has to be appropriate and formal as the magazine is quite professional.  Words like ‘hot’ are used which is typical attracting women, as women want to feel hot and it’s also an eye catching word when describing fashion etc. The editor also uses a rhetorical question which will make the readers think. It also does this in order to try and interact the reader so that they pay attention to the magazine.