Vibe Contents Page Analysis

This contents page is very different to many others; it is extremely subtle in the sense that it has a strange silence feel to it contributed by the use of the black and white colour scheme, which has also been used on the cover page to create brand individuality. Reinforcing the stereotype of R'n'B culture, the use of the gangster image really helps to portray the image they are trying to go for. Doing this makes it easier to attract a target audience as it is obvious what kind of music magazine it is. Also because of the lack of colours used it makes it seem more serious as well as having a calm approach to it which may be reflecting the articles or artists used in the issue.

All magazines have a different way in which they approach each page, and in this case the main image is used as the background to keep the main focus attracted towards it. From the urban setting, the urban clothing the men are wearing and subsequent amount of jewellery, this may indicate that they fit the ‘gangster’ stereotype. Moreover, the fact that they are all men makes it easier for us to understand what target audience they want to appeal to - many might have the same understanding of this culture or want to imitate it. Because there is no heading to go with the main image on the contents page it lures us in wanting to know more about what the magazine may include.

The list of sub headings follows the simple arrangement of the rest of the page to enhance the entire theme. From this we can gather that mostly 18-28 year olds would buy this magazine or this particular issue; younger teens may be put off but the simplicity as they would mainly focus on colours and fonts which attract their attention.

They have also used a smaller version of a cover page in the contents page like many magazines do.This is a typical feature as it allows audiences to reflect on the main stories that will be focused upon in the magazine and by looking at the image they could remind themselves of it.