House StyleThe creators of Q magazine have chosen to use a Red, Black and white colour scheme which is consistent through all Q magazine issues and also is the same colour as the Q magazine logo, therefore making it recognisable to fans of this magazine. The colours used look professional and black has a connotation of sophistication, therefore it anchors the main target audience for this magazine which would be a more mature audience say aged 20+

Gold has also been used “oasis special” therefore giving the impression that this particular article is important because gold has the connotation of luxury and being precious. The font used is bold and easy to read, it is also consistent through all Q magazines therefore adding to the recognisable layout.

ImageryIn the main image it shows an indie rock band, stood on a hill therefore it will attract the bands fans to purchase the magazine. The way the artists are positioned in the image is typical of that of a band, as they are all stood close together to show that they are all a unit. A low angle shot has been used, therefore giving the band a sense of authority, emphasizing that they are the most important part of the image. In the image low key lighting has been used in the background and high key lighting in the foreground, therefore creating a contrast and making the band stand out to the audience.Direct mode of address has been used in both the main image and smaller image, therefore making the audience feel more involved. Also in the smaller image nick cave is wearing a suit which connotes authority and sophistication, therefore adding to the sophisticated layout of this page

Design BalanceIn terms of design balance it is formally balanced in mass and is light due to the main image being very large and the text being set out in a column next to it which isn’t too heavy and does not look overcrowding, therefore creating a more professional look. Also at the bottom of the page there is a box which is well balanced as it contains an image which takes up the same amount of space as the two columns of text relating to it. Therefore also adding to the professional and sophisticated layout of the magazine which helps appeal to the target audience of 20+

Design Symmetry I think this contents page is horizontally balanced, therefore creating a professional look. Looking at the composition of the page it is clearly divided into two columns creating structure and organisation therefore making it easier to communicate with the reader.

Rule of Thirds and GutenbergIn terms of the rule of thirds within the layout, the large image of the Courteeners would sit on intersecting lines therefore making this the main point of interest, grabbing the audience’s attention and attracting them to read the article about them. In terms of the Gutenberg design when skimming the page, the audience will firstly notice the masthead and the main features placed in the primary optical area therefore emphasising the main features of this magazine. They will then skim to the main image of the Courteeners in the strong fallow area, then to the every month column in the weak fallow area and lastly the review section in the terminal area.

House StyleThis contents page has been constructed using a black and yellow which is consistent through all kerrang magazine issues, therefore making it recognisable to the fans of the magazine. The yellow is bold and therefore contrasts against the black backgrounds, catching the audience’s eye. Also yellow is a less formal colour, which anchors the genre of the magazine and also the target audience which is 16-25 years.The same font is also used throughout the contents page making it consistent, it is also simple and easy readable for the audience. Also an editor’s message and image of the cover is placed in the primary optical area, therefore automatically grabbing the audience’s attention.

ImageryVarious images have been used in this contents page. One image is a lot bigger than the other images, which automatically catches the audience’s eye, giving the impression that this article is an important feature. Other smaller images are used framing the bigger image which also images are relating to the articles in the magazine. The images feature other famous artists, therefore attracting there fans to buy the magazine. The images don’t look very professional, therefore this adds to the informal layout, anchoring the genre of this magazine.

Design BalanceIn terms of design balance, this contents page is obviously image heavy however this works effectively due to the images allowing the reader too easily locate the article of the bands they are interested in reading about.Vertical columns have been used to create a more organised layout, therefore making it easier for the audience to read.

Design Symmetry This contents page is clearly divided into two columns to make create structure and organisation, therefore making it a lot easier to communicate with the reader.

Rule of Thirds and GutenbergIn terms of the rule of thirds within the layout the main image would sit on intersecting lines therefore making this the point of interest for the audience, grabbing their attention. In terms of the Gutenberg design when skimming the page, the audience will first notice the editor’s message in the primary optical area, therefore making the audience feel more involved as if the editor is talking to them personally. They will then be drawn to the column of articles in the strong fallow area, then the band images in the weak fallow area and finally the subscription advertisement in the terminal area.

ContrastBoth mastheads have been positioned in different areas, In terms of the Gutenberg diagram Q magazine have positioned it in the primary optical area, therefore when reading the magazine it will be the first thing the reader looks at, however Kerrang have chosen to position the masthead in the strong fallow area, therefore the reader will firstly notice the editors message in the optical area before skimming across to the masthead. Both magazines have also used different fonts and colours, Q magazine has decided to use a block lettered font with binary opposite colours black and white, therefore connoting sophistication, emphasizing the target audience aged 25+. Whereas Kerrang have chosen to use a more informal font and use a vibrant yellow that will appeal to their target audience aged 16-25.

Both of these contents pages have been constructed in a similar way due to the vertical column like style used. Therefore creating structure and organisation making it easier for the readers to find specific articles. It also assists towards the balance of the pages.

In Q magazine I think it could be labelled horizontally balanced however in Kerrang magazine it is clearly very image heavy. However both of these contents page do contain images of famous artists, therefore attracting the fans of these bands.

Also because of the composition of both pages they are both clearly divided into two columns.

Both of these magazines have different target audiences, Q magazine is aimed at a more mature audience aged 25+ and is more contemporary whereas Kerrang magazine is aimed at a younger audience aged 16-25. Both these contents page have been constructed in different ways to appeal to their target audience for example Q magazine uses a more sophisticated and professional colour scheme of black, red and white, also the binary opposition of black and white in the masthead connotes sophistication. Whereas Kerrang magazine uses a colour scheme of black and yellow which creates a kind of grunge look, therefore also anchoring the genre of music in this magazine.