Conventions of the contents page of a music magazine

The image above is the contents page from 'Q' magazine. The main features of a contents page is another image of the main artist featured on the front cover and in the main article. The contents page for a music magazine is important because it gives the reader all the information they need to know about that issue, for example, what else is included in that magazine, including other articles, music reviews, quizzes etc.

The layout for contents pages are usually very similar. They appear to be split into three columns: the first column tells the reader what is included on which page, as you can see in the above image, the number is shown and then a title of what will be found on that certain page. The two other columns are usually taken up by the image of the main artist.

Above these three columns is usually a 'contents page' title, and below the main image, there is usually some more information about that issue, for example, other features in that issue.

The magazine title is usually featured on the contents page, and the house colour scheme is usually followed on from the front cover to the contents page.


Typically, contents pages use bold fonts and buzzwords to attract a readers information to certain articles and things that the magazine is offering. Usually, words like 'WIN' and 'FREE!' are used to draw attention from the reader as there is a reward on offer, this appeals to many people, competitive or not, as everyone likes to get something they want, especially for free. The creators of the magazine are, in a way, trying to sell the product by the words they use and the features they offer so that the reader will become interested and possibly attached to that magazine and will continue to buy it as they like the features and the journalistic skill involved in articles, the readers need to be able to connect with the journalist and understand the type of words they use. These are all features I will include in my own magazine.