Conventions of a contents page for music magazine

The contents page can be either one or two pages, if you use two pages then you can use more of the conventions of the contents page. 
Pictures – You would use pictures to make the page stand out more, the pictures could also have page references on which could link you to the article of which the picture relates to. There are many different styles of how you could use pictures to make a contents page more appealing and useful. You can use from a minimum of one picture to about ten; this is because if you have more the page will start to look too crowded and unattractive. 

Title – The title of a contents page is usually ‘contents’ this is usually situated at the top of the page where it can be seen. It is usually in a clear font so that it can be easily read. The title would be the main colour of the page, this would lead to the rest of the page text being that colour which links in with the house style that my magazine will have.

Columns – the columns are used in the contents page because it will make the page easier to read, it also makes the page more organised and makes it look more professional. This will also help with the visual syntax for the reader.

Banners – The banners on a page would make the page look more attractive and formal. It would add colour and importance. The banners will also make it look more effective.

Page numbers – The page numbers will guide you to the page that you want. On the contents page you would not need to put the words ‘page’ or ‘pg’ before the number. The number is usually large which allows the reader to find the page they want easily.

Information – the information that will be in the blog is usually a blurb, the blurb usually gives a quick summary of what is in the magazine. The information would also include headlines and features.

Headline and features - The headline and features will include the information that the page will have, it can have many things in it for example quotes and other informational text. The headline would be a larger text and the features would be smaller underneath the headline.

Issue dates – these are dates that will be shown of what issue the magazine is so they usually say ‘February 2014’, this will benefit people in whom collect the magazine on a regular basis. This would also allow the reader to know that they have got a more up to date magazine.

Structures layout – the structured layout will allow an easy read for the reader via visual syntax. The layout also makes it more professional and if it isn't layed out correctly then it can easily not look professional. 

Colours – the use of colour will attract people and make the page more attractive. The colours link in with the house style of my magazine, the page will have the same colour scheme.