Research into Similar Products: Magazine Contents Analysis

I looked at the contents page of Q magazine as an inspiration for my own magazine. This contents page has a lot of qualities that I like. The layout of this  contents page appeals to me as it is laid out neatly and it is very clear to follow. The layout has the numbers of pages in the magazine and follows them in order leaving the biggest stories to near the end of the magazine, for example, Arctic Monkeys on page 38. On the top left there are three big stories which are featured in the magazine whereas at the bottom there is a section of smaller stories showing that they are less important. On the right side there are Q reviews and the latest albums which will catch the readers attention. At the top Q have displayed there contents in a big font with a bright red background which is eye catching and shows the reader what page this is in the magazine and it's importance. 

The numbers featured on the contents page are big and clear right next to the story which is on the page, the story title is in a brighter colour and it also clear. The images on the contents page seem to be taken professionally or at a gig, which I particularly like as it gives a range of photography. Finally, the colours used for the contents page are quite dull with black and white but the bright red stands out considerably well in contrast and this fits a nice consistent colour scheme. I like the use of colours and plan to use colours like this for my magazine.