Textual Analysis - Contents

 



Kerrang! Issue 1482 September 07 2013 - Contents

Title: Kerrang!
Price: £2.20
Frequency: Weekly

Layout
The contents is in a three column layout and doesn't look too busy. There's an equal balance of pictures and text so it's easy on the eye and easy to read. Each section has a different heading. Some have a little intro to each article to show the reader what the article will be about.

Page Furniture
There is a letter from the editor in the top right hand corner that is signed by him to give the reader a bit of background to the issue and what it's about and the work involved and created a friendly and personal relationship between the reader and writer.

The issue number and the cover date is clearly shown in the top left corner so show the reader what issue they have bought and the date. It's not too big because it's not a vital part of the contents- the issue number is also normally on the front cover.

There is some magazine credits at the bottom right corner ("this issue was created with the help from...") which will get the reader to buy from these companies- it's almost like an advert. There is also a picture from Metallica's new film so it links with the genre of the magazine.

Images
There are a few pictures of the main articles to show the reader what to expect, with the page numbers clearly shown next to them so they can flick to the page that they want to read. The captions have a funny, light hearted feel to them; "Crossing your fingers for a good review are ya, Jenna?". This makes the reader read on and put a smile on their face and grabs you in, wanting you to read further. This particular caption also has some colloquial and slang language; 'ya'. This can relate to the teenager target audience this magazine has.

Having a picture of a shirtless Simon Neil attracts fans (especially of Biffy Clyro and female) to buy and read the article.

Colours - White, Yellow, Black, Red
These colours are easy to read and also bold. The yellow stands out and the main features are in this colour so it stands out. The caption of Simon Neil is also in yellow to stand out but I think it clashes with the picture and is hard to read. The black and red is bold and dark which links to the rock genre of the magazine. Having a white background makes it easier to read as having a different colour would make it too busy and clash too much, plus it wouldn't go with the colour scheme of the magazine. Having the page numbers in red makes them stand out so the reader can clearly see which page to flick to for their favourite articles they are interested in.

Fonts
The fonts are plain and bold, nothing too fancy, so the reader can clearly see the features. I really like the font 'contents' is in at the top right corner. Might use this for my magazine. It has a rough, edgy feel to it which links to the rock genre.

The fonts for the articles in each section is bold so it's easy to read and see what bands will be in the issue. The editor's letter also starts with a bold 'Hello readers' which makes the reader read the letter because it's addressed directly to them.

'Contents' - "What have we got for you lot this week? Loads!"
This again links to the target audience of teenagers as it includes some slang and colloquial language; 'you lot' and it talks directly to the reader ('you') making them read on. It also has a light hearted tone to grab the reader in and wonder what exactly is in the issue. There is an effective use of punctuation to grab the reader's attention further.