Contents Page - Drawn Draft and First Attempt

Here is my drawn draft of my school magazine contents page. I decided to use educational vocabulary to create the magazine's theme, and also thought it would be interesting to use lined paper as the background image. This helps set it out as a grid structure, and corresponds well with the 'Timetable' effect.

This is a very basic first attempt at my school magazine contents page. Here, I have added my two images, and positioned them where I hope to display them. I only managed to do this in a lesson after preparing, but soon I should be able to add the text and edit the page  according to the draft.

The Contents Page - Analysis

Total Film - Contents Page

1. What is the function of a contents page?
The function of a contents page is to display all or the most popular stories that are featured in the magazine, giving the reader an insight of what is to come, and also presenting corresponding page numbers to allow the reader to find the relevant page.

2. How does a reader use a contents page?
Usually located at the front of the magazine, the reader can use to contents page to browse the features inside, as the contents pages gives a summary of the magazine, allowing them to find out which features will interest them, as well as making it easy for the reader to find specific pages.


Teen Vogue - Contents Page

3. What is the conventional layout for a contents page in a magazine?
Contents pages in magazines usually follow the same layout and structure, however, do contain subtle differences. The Total Film contents page is titled, "Contents," with a grid structure, displaying coverlines, page numbers and various images relevant to certain features. There are also various titles, such as "On the cover," and, "Buzz News," which split the pages up into a variety of categories, making it easier for the reader to find the stories they are looking for.

  The Teen Vogue contents page has a more simple structure, featuring a main image, suggesting that she is the main feature in the magazine. The page also displays various titles and corresponding page numbers of some, not all, of the features inside, implying which stories are the main, perhaps most important in                                

Heat - Contents Page

the magazine.
  The Heat contents page has a much more chaotic looking layout, crammed with images, adverts and text, although it does follow the same ideas. Similar to the Total Film contents page, it separate the stories into categories like, "On the cover," and "News and Stuff," however also features a main image with accompanying text underneath, which could lead onto the next page, or gives a summary of the main feature inside.

4. What is the conventional design for a contents page in a magazine?
The design for a contents page in a magazine are also very similar, as all three examples include images from the features, as well as informative text, including some summaries, and also page numbers, for obvious reasons. Magazine contents pages follow the same design, just with different images and text, such as Total Film magazine featuring various images with corresponding page numbers, similar to the Teen Vogue contents page with an image and an accompanying page number for reference.

5. How much information does a contents page contain?
Different contents pages contain different amounts of information. All the examples display the titles of the features, and the page numbers, however, the Teen Vogue contents page includes some information about the few features presented on the content page, where as the Total Film contents page includes a much larger list of the stories inside, with brief summaries or slogans to make the reader want to continue and read the magazine.

6. What information does a contents page contain?
The contents page gives the reader a brief summary into what stories are featured in the magazine, giving details about the information included in the stories, as well as the location of each feature.

7. How are images used in a conventional contents page?
Images are used on a contents page to give the reader a visual presentation of the features in the magazine. As well as making the page more pleasing to the eye, the idea of using images relevant to the stories, the reader can find information about something they may not have known the name of, for example the films on the Total Film contents page. Images are also most commonly used to promote the main coverline, or stories the editor thinks will be most popular.

8. How is language used in a conventional contents page?
The language used in a contents page is often to promote the stories featured in the magazine. Often presented in slogans, catchphrases and witty lines, the language draws in the reader, intriguing them and making them want to read on, as well as summarising each of the features, informing the reader of what is to come. For example, the Heat contents page uses language such as, "Pregnant Posh," which is used to stir up the actual story, sometimes exaggerating the news, to draw attention to the reader, making them eager to read on.

9. What are the key codes and conventions of a contents page?
Key codes of a contents page are text and images, as without these, the reader would not be able to navigate their way through the magazine to specific features. Images are also vital, as they attract the reader, and gives the reader an instant insight on what they are going to be reading about. Key conventions are layout and structure, as without an well organised structure, the contents page would be a complete mess, as well as being unable to read. Being well organised, the contents page is easily accessible by the reader, giving them a comfortable and relaxing experience.

10. How does the function of a contents page affect its layout and design?
To make the contents easily accessible, the functions of the contents page and the layout and design must compliment each other. In order for the reader to find certain features, the layout and design has to display the right, specific information needed, giving the reader a suitable, pleasurable experience. Images are also useful, as being relevant to the topic, allows the reader to pin point specific stories they are interested in if the title steers away from the obvious. Also, the idea of having a page to list all of the information included in the magazine, the structure of the page is therefore usually displayed as a list, which also adds to the ease of navigation for the reader.

InDesign School Magazine Third Attempt

This is my latest attempt of my school magazine cover. Due to fitting the main image onto my cover, I encountered some difficulties, such as the colours of my coverlines. I was very happy with the main image, however, due to the lighting in the image, the colour of the masthead had to be changed from black to white so it would compliment the colour of the main image. I also added colour to the words of the main coverline, "Arts," and "Sciences," not only to make the coverline look nicer, and making it more pleasing to the eye, but also so it would stand out from the underlying main image. Most of the coverlines/text on my cover that was originally black, I had to change to another, brighter colour, because after fitting my main image, I found the text blended with the image, and was therefore virtually invisible.

InDesign School Magazine Second Attempt

This is my second attempt at creating my magazine cover using Adobe InDesign. Here, I edited my masthead, so it stretches from corner to cover, which in my opinion, looks better than my previous draft as it wasn't as significant, although now I think it looks more professional and appropriate. I also corrected some of the grammar, such as from, "Which are more important," to, "Which is more important." I also added the banner at the bottom of the cover, as well as a bar code, with the price, £2.50 and the month of the issue (September 2012). I am happy with the layout of the cover, and the coverlines, mastead etc, and will soon apply my main image to complete the cover. However, after shooting the main image, I may need to change some of the structure and layout to make the main image fit appropriately, for example, not covering the faces.

InDesign School Magazine First Attempt

This is my first attempt at creating my magazine cover. I experimented using different tools to create the masthead and coverlines, and I am happy with the outcome. I was pleased that I could find the suitable font for each coverline, similar to my final draft, however I want to change the masthead so that is positioned right up to the edge of the cover, as I feel in this first attempt, it does not have the same effect I think it does on my draft, as it is too small.

School Magazine Cover - Colour/Final Draft Analysis

This is the colour version of my magazine cover. It is very similar to my first draft, as I was happy with the previous draft, so I therefore decided to change very few things.

I did not change the masthead, as I was happy with the design. I think the size is appropriate, because it is big enough to be seen from a distance, is eye-catching, and not too big, as it does not draw attention away from the main image. I decided to go with the colour gold to refer to the meaning behind the title (pieces if gold), but it also works with the school logo, being the fleur de lys, which is often presented in the colour gold. 

I decided to keep the main coverline the same as the first draft, because I liked the positioning and layout of the title, as I think it works well with the story. I used the colour red for the "VS," because it represents danger and conflict, suitable for the feature, and is very eye-catching, as it will attract customers and stand out from the main image positioned behind the main coverline.

I also decided to keep the flash, because it helps include a variety of various layout techniques, and is also relevant to the main feature, as it emphasises the idea of battle and conflict,(such as a boxing match) between the two department, as well as providing a more comedic aspect to the story.

I kept the strap-line on the cover, because it informs the audience that, although this is the first issue, it is the first issue of the re-branding, as it is a newer version of the old school magazines, apparent by the title, "The Comeback Issue!" I used the colour red again because it catches the customer's eyes, but also adds a bit of colour onto the cover, which will hopefully stand out from the main image when I produce the final cover.

For the final draft, I decided to keep the first part of the splash, "Which are more important," however, I found that including this, and the title underneath, "Leading members of the KHS staff fight their corners," made the cover look too cluttered, and was not very easy on the eye. Therefore, I discarded the second part, and I am happy with the outcome, as although it is simple, still remains informative and interesting to the reader.

I kept the bar code and the price the same for my final draft, as I thought the positioning of the bar code was suitable for the layout, and I thought the price (£2.50) was a very affordable and appropriate price, as although it may seem a little expensive for a 'school' magazine, it is just as informative and interesting as any other magazine. I think the bar code also resembles others featured on magazine covers well, which was what I was hoping to achieve, as I wanted my magazine to be not only significant and eye-catching, but look suitable on a shelf in a store.

School Magazine Cover - First Draft Analysis

This is the first draft of my school magazine cover. It is quite a rough draft, with sketches of the details I want to include on my cover.

The masthead of my magazine is, "Pieces of 8." I chose this masthead after researching the history of the magazines at my school, and found that this was included. Although the masthead is quite abstract, it is meant to represent the idea that a magazine is made up of various pieces, as in stories and features, as well as it being a phrase for gold. Also, the number, "8," refers to the school's name, King Henry VIII. I chose an various old fashioned-styled fonts for the masthead, to represent the vintage look, as it is a remake of the old magazine, however, I changed the number eight to, "8," as it emphases the more modern culture and aspect that I was looking to achieve, and is more easily understandable by readers.

The main coverline of the cover is titled, "Arts VS Sciences." I chose this title to be my main coverline because I though it would be a very interesting feature to include in my magazine, as well as being an attractive main storyline. I like the idea of presenting, "Arts," with a fancy, artistic font, and, "Sciences," with an old fashioned, typewriter styled font, as I think it compares the subjects well, even though it is a very subtle comparison. I also thought it would be a good feature story because it is not only interesting, but could offer advice for pupils in the school, if they are considering options for GCSEs and A-Level, as it could explain the positives and negatives of the subjects, and reasons why certain subjects are suitable for various people.

The splash I included, "Which are more important? Leading members of the KHS Staff fight their corners!" correspond with the main coverline well, as it gives the reader more information about what to expect in the feature, and hopefully will make them want to read on, as it makes the story sound interesting and exciting.

I decided to include another coverline, to inform the reader and potential customer that there are other stories featured inside. I chose the cover line, "Mrs. Powell says farewell - will the newbie step up the the "mark," because it is relevant to what is happening in school at the present time, and also emphasises the cheesy comedy I wanted to include in the magazine, as it would attract readers, such as the emphasis on "mark," because obviously school work is 'marked,' by teachers. I also thought it would be interesting for pupils and teachers, as it could include an interview, or a personal background, which they want to read about, especially as she could be their teacher/colleague. I also included a small image of a 'tick,' to again go along with the idea of the pun.

Although probably unclear by the drawing, the main image of the magazine cover is two teachers arm wrestling. I decided to go with this idea because it is relevant to the main coverline, and will be a very attractive, interesting and funny main image, which I think will definitely attract buyers. Although not visible in the drawing, I would dress the teachers in the stereotypical outfits, one artist, with paints, pencils and other equipment, and one scientist, dressed in a lab coat, wearing glasses, with a clip board or recording sheet placed on the desk. I think the idea of overlapping the, "VS," onto the image further emphasises the idea of competition, and will make a good cover.