Magazine Contents Page Analysis

This contents page is also taken from a 'Rolling Stone' magazine. Although not from the same issue.

This particular Rolling Stone magazine, doesn't specify that this particular page is for contents, although the page numbers and article headings allow us to work this out for ourself. The iconic 'RS' initials, indicate the title of the magazine; 'Rolling Stone'. Although, the fact that the full title is not used makes this technique unconventional.

The image covering 2/3's on the right hand side shows 'Johnny Carson' and another man. Their body language connotes a natural, carefree message due to them being in a dancing stance. The image on the left third of the magazine shows Beyonce, in the midst of performing, portraying the image that at this point in time she is not concerned about her appearance. Each of these images suggest that the articles they are promoting will also be of a carefree, light-hearted, natural manner. The two men allocated in the magazine, are portrayed in black and white to emphasise the olden-day effect. The fact that this is unusual, and unconventional to a modern day magazine maximises the focus on the particular image. They each appear to be having a good time, the man on the right connotes more confidence due to it looking as though he is leading the dance. Whereas, the other gentleman appears to be following the dance, looking slightly less confident – but nonetheless enjoying himself.

This particular contents page is very simple, the colours of the photo on the left contrast with the one on the right. Also resulting in a contrast between the different time periods and how the times have changed since each of the photos were taken. The colours are very simple. The scheme of white and black allow the pink elements of the text to stand out, making it look aesthetically pleasing.

The contents page to this particular 'Rolling Stone' issue features the slogan 'all the news that fits'. Which is suggesting that they also have a lot more news to come. It also implies that the audience should continue to buy the product to ensure the news that they want to read about gets full coverage if it isn’t already included in this issue.

The contents page also promotes their website further down the page to encourage the audience to get involved in the social media aspect of the product too.

I devised a PowerPoint enabling me to go into more depth with regards to the analysis of the contents page inside the 'Rolling Stones' magazine. Within this I have identified valid codes, conventions and connotations that relate to the magazine contents page as a whole.

Technology used:

• Google Images (www.google.com)
• SlideShare (www.SlideShare.com)