Rolling Stone Magazine analysis of contents page
Published on a biweekly
basis, Rolling Stone always features an abundance of articles. The contents are
over 1 page to make it easier for the audience and will entice them more into
the magazine. This mode of contemporary and yet sophisticated presentation
reflects that of all Rolling Stone front covers and so will be easily
recognised as an important aspect of the magazines house style which readers
have come to expect from each piece. Similarly, the inclusion of the Rolling
Stone masthead and slogan aids the pages in being instantly recognisable with
this further illustration of the house style creating a sense of fluency
between the pages. As always with this magazine, a strong colour scheme
consisting of reds, blacks and whites is evident: the dominant shades create an
eye-catching impact and a sense of continuity without over-complicating the
page and so succeed in alluring readers to various images and articles. The
contents page features 3 images. One of the images features Lenny Kravitz who
is a rock star; the image is very enticing and would appeal to the rock lovers.
It is an action, mid shot of Lenny playing the guitar with sunglasses and
leather clothing which is in keeping with the edgy persona of the magazine and
will represent the rock culture. The next image is of a cartoon Television
programme; it is a very colourful image and clearly stands out on the page
against the black, white and red theme. The final image is a close-up of Smokey
Robinson who is a singer/songwriter. It is a black and white image with the
caption “Smokey Robinson looks back” it looks like an image took years back and
he is not looking directly at the camera which shows the casual and relaxed
side of the image. The shot creates a sense of equality between the music legend
and magazine buyers which will encourage them to read on. People will be
enticed to see what the article consists of and includes exclusive information
on him looking back in the past.
As a unique selling point, the articles page number is
printed clearly onto the photo for the ease of readers. The masthead is placed
at the top of the page and it is an abbreviated form “RS1219” RS meaning
Rolling Stone and the 1219 is the issue number. The black letters and the white
numbers are depicted in a bold font equivalent to that of the magazines iconic
masthead which adds to the sense of continuity, coinciding with the house style
and professional appearance. Placed beside the masthead is a quote stating “All
the NEWS THAT FITS” this is very enticing for the readers and because half of
it is in capitol letters it stands out on the page and really promotes what the
magazine consists of.
As mentioned, the colour scheme, depicting prominent reds,
blacks and whites, immediately denotes the Rolling Stone magazine house style,
creating an edgy, glamorous appeal. For those who regularly purchase the
magazine, the striking shades are familiar and recognisable and so will help to
sell the magazine with new readers being attracted by the fresh, vibrant
combination. Employing the colour white for the backdrop of the contents pages,
there are no clashing colours or illegible writing and so the magazine appears
more professional and polished – this simplistic look also makes the inclusion
of blacks and reds all the more eye-catching and effective.
Along the left hand side of the page is the “features” and
“departments” section. At the top of the left hand side is the John Oliver
section in a small box. It includes the page numbers on what he features on and
in the small box it states “John Oliver Is Mad as Hell” this will engage the
audience as it shows a humour and comic element to the magazine and readers
would be interested in reading more about this TV sensation. At the top of the
small box it states “The TV Issue” this is to show the audience that this is
the TV section of the magazine and gives the entire page numbers associated
with TV. The background for this small title is colourful which continues on
from the front cover, this shows the continuity and house style of the magazine
which makes it polished and cleans.
The “Features” section is a red font, again showing the
continuity colour scheme and the writing underneath is just black, this shows a
sophisticated element as it is not too overwhelming and in your face. The main
story’s is in bold writing to engage the audience and underneath it gives a
blurb on what that article is about and also the journalists name, with the
page number beside it so it is easily located for the reader. The “Departments”
section is the same as the features section in terms of colour and font, but
above each heading is a sub-heading. The first one is “Rock & Roll” with
the article based on Lenny Kravitz and the page number beside it. The next is
“Record Reviews” this article is based on U2 and again will entice the audience
to find out more about record reviews. The last one is “Movie Reviews” this one
is based on a “So Not a Love Story” it will give reviews on the upcoming and
older movies so readers can see what is good and not so good. This section
would be popular because most people watch movies, therefore would want to read
a review before watching it. At the bottom of the page it gives information in
the form of a strap line of John Oliver, it includes where that photo was
taken, the date, the stylist, groomer and design of the clothes. This makes the
audience feel more involved in the magazine as they know all the details and
maybe want to copy the style of the John himself, therefore know where he got
his clothes etc.
In conclusion, I think the choice to place text at the side
of the page with images on the other side, taking up most of the page as they
are effective and eye-catching. This layout is very professional and
sophisticate and the use of a dramatic colour scheme consisting of red, black
and white is very striking and I may consider including such shades in my own
piece as it draws attention and makes an impact. Rolling Stone magazine’s house
style is prevalent in every aspect of the contents pages: I would also aim to
develop my own house style and employ it throughout to create a sense of
continuity and add the impression of my magazine as polished and professional.
Finally, I really like the idea utilised in Rolling Stone of imposing the page
numbers over corresponding pictures and so would hope to do the same thereby
the page can be easily navigated and so would appeal to readers. Overall, I
feel that analysing this magazine has been of great benefit to me, providing a
greater understanding of the codes and conventions of music magazines as well
as inspiring ideas for the contents page I will be creating.
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