Contents page analysis

Contents page analysis

 This contents page traditionally utilises the rule of three, which does not challenge the general conventions for a rap magazine. The colour red, signifies immediacy and draws the reader’s attention to it. When in contrast to the white background, this effect is enhanced even greater. The black have connotations of the rap genre, which help associate the magazine’s house style to the genre. The black the artist, 50 cent, is wearing, succeeds in its purpose to pull readers view to the full-length shot of him. He is the only image on the page which separates him from the text. This pays homage to the high-profile rapper and gives the impression that he has previously unknown news to reveal. The white background completes the page with a certain degree of simplicity, therefore not subtracting any focus from the featured star or articles. Finally, the half-black and half-white text of the rapper, “50 cent” adds to the effect of drawing eyes to the bold page number.
The mast head for the feature page serves the purpose to inform the reader of the pages contents. The subheadings completed in bold allow the audience to get a little bit of information on the page, before receiving a little more below it. This was implemented due to the fact that it makes finding the page the viewer are searching for more convenient. This makes their experience with the magazine better and entices them to subscribe. The magazines logo is present in order to fill blank space and also assimilate the house style to their brand.
The layout and content of the feature page is dull and mundane. I believe this to be a waste of potential, due to the fact that some viewers may not endear to purchase another issue due to this problem.
Finally, the artist is facing the text on the right and looking back at the camera. This sends attention to the text but also gives of his signature expression of arrogance. I believe the image acts as direct address which aids the magazine in including the audience, as if 50 cent is looking at the reader. This may make him/her read on and therefore the image serves its purpose.

This is a Vibe magazines contents page, and is easily recognizable to fans familiar with this magazine as the background has a large, grey V which is symbolic of Vibe magazine and relates to the magazines house style and the magazine is iconic for their use of the large V.
This magazine follows a simple colours scheme as the only colours are found on the image/background; black, white and grey. This black and white style, along with the style of clothing on the image of the artist, Kanye present the magazine as sophisticated, mature and perhaps containing content appealing to adults. This is further shown by the seductive and promiscuous nature of the image as it is implied a woman is clinging to Kanye to in a way that is sexual as shown by her hand gripping onto a red heart placed on Kanye’s chest. Connotations of the colour red in this context are lust and aggression. Simultaneously, Kanye is shown to possess a stern and masculine gaze into the camera, creating an appealing and eye catching image as the readers feel as though the magazine is communicating a message directly for them.
The magazine could have been presented in this mature, sophisticated and promiscuous way to appeal to adults or perhaps late-teens as “sex sells” and this magazine hints towards a lot of sexuality.