A Compared Contents Page Analysis

Compared Contents page analysis.

The contents pages from VIBE maintain the same brand identity, which then allows the magazine to establish its style. They are also successful in following conventions in addition to RnB/ Hip Hop iconography. It is conventional for the front cover to not include page numbers next to the story lines. It is in fact standard for the brief details about content to follow the same easily set out structure going down a particular side of the page, making it easier for the readers to follow. The images which are assisting the brief details have always got a feature within the magazine, which contributes to the VIBE brand identity.

The audience instantly attracted to the title ‘CONTENTS’ which is broken up onto 3 lines. This is the same throughout each and every VIBE magazine portraying the brand identity. The Title is always in DISPLAY making it easy for the readership to see, a ‘V’ always accompanies the ‘CONTENTS’ , again reinforcing the brand identity. This straight away allows the readers to feel comfortable as they know what is to come, and can recognise the magazine instantly.  The ‘V’ itself is so well known that artists such as Kanye West and Ciara are able to pose in front of it and it will not affect the readers or brand identity. The image which is displayed on the first contents page is Ciara. She is dressed in a leotard indicating to the readers that she works out. She is wearing jewellery which is iconography within the RnB/ Hip Hop genre.  Her legs are exposed in a sexual manor, also indicating readers to the ‘V’ at the top of the page.  The colours used are monochromatic and all tie in with each other. This adds an element of sophistication. It also makes the brief content look desirable, as the lighting is focused on it. Ciara has eye contact with the readers, making a personal impression on the audience. Allowing the readers to feel a connection with the artist. However this is only 1/3 of the contents pages from just one issue of the VIBE magazine which is unnecessary, but once again is the brand identity.  The Kanye west contents page follows a similar layout; however the colour scheme is just solely grey. This may relate to the artist himself, that he has only one theme, one personality, one attitude etc. However this can also be compared to the VIBE magazine itself that it only has one layout and sticks to it, each issue. The images being the main focus of the page suggest that they are the dominant features in the musical world, that they are the main focus for the readers. The love heart on kanye west’s blazer is being snatched by a women, showing him in a vulnerable state which is also shown through his music.  The difference between these two contents pages are that they both portray the music which they produce, as well as the music which is known for their genre. For instance Ciara’s image contents page reflects women as sexy, although deeper in there is much more to them which is indicated by the gradual white light. Whereas Kanye west shows males to only have one personality when it comes to music, that what they sing/ rap about is simple and to the point.

The aim of Vibe’s context is to just give the readers brief information of what will be included within the magazine.  However the image overpowers the page, providing the effect of dominance within music itself. That artist’s themselves over shine anything which may be written about them. In Ciara’s contents page she is the main focus although she does not overpower the page. Perhaps this could relate to females throughout the Hip Hop/ RnB genre. That they do not force themselves to dominate, and try not to fulfil the frame however they still catch the audience’s eye effortlessly. On the other hand West fully takes charge of the frame making sure that he is centre of attention and not to be missed. Males within this genre of music tend to make sure that they are seen unlike females.

The fonts used for the brief details are presented in sans serif, which sets of a friendly and informal tone. Phrases are also used to create a playful and conversational tone for example on the Kanye West contents the phrase ‘DOLLARS TO DONUTS’ is used in a DISPLAY font to attract the readers and then instantly create a fun tone. It also makes a statement to the readers that the overall tone will not become depressing or formal. The subheading also includes influences from the artist ‘HEARTBREAK HOTEL’ as West’s album is called ‘808 and Heartbreak’ which is reinforced through the subheading which is on the same page as his image. The image itself is also similar to the images which are included with his album.  At the end of the brief detail about the content a Serif font is then used as the author of the article above is shown. This creates a slight formal tone as the writer takes their job seriously. However with the Ciara contents page does not reinforce the artist within the headings, this is because the artist has not recently released an album. Towards the end of the end of this 1/3 contents page there are particular words which have been put in bold, this is that it stands out to the readership. Although the boldness does not create an aggressive tone yet informative. Artist’s names such as ‘Pretty Ricky’ are also in bold; this indicates to the audience who this section will be about so they instantly know where to turn if searching for one particular artist. There are also references to the readership within Ciara’s contents page such as ‘ Robin Thicke just can’t get enough of your love’, this allows the audience to feel included which then suggests a much more personal tone, almost like a friendship.  This is not the same as the Kanye west Contents page as everything that is on that page has got something to do with West which is why he is the main centre of attention. Symbols are used in each contents page of VIBE reinforcing the brand identity. Symbols such as ‘>’ this means greater than for instance ‘FASHION>’ this means that fashion is greater than everything. The fact that VIBE uses this can stand out to the audience. This also indicates that the audience should know what this means. The magazine is in tune with its target audience creating a stronger connection.