Codes and Conventions

Contents page of Kerrang

This contents page has been put onto a double page spread. The title used on the page goes diagonally across the two pages in a large, white, sans-serif font. The title ‘kerrang’ has also been used on the page at the top of a panel going down the right hand side of the page. Having these titles lets the reader know what this page is and reminds them what magazine they are reading.

A 3 colours scheme has been used with the colours black, red and white. The different pages in the magazine are listed at the bottom of the page in 3 separate columns. The different pages are written in a red, sans-serif font with the page number in white as well as a description of what is included in each page underneath the page title.

The main picture used spreads across the double page showing the back of a band playing at a concert. The reader’s attention is immediately fixed on them when they open the page as it makes you want to find out what band it is. The reader also immediately knows that it must be a good band as there is a massive crowd supporting them. There are two spot lights shining on the lead singer and the guitar player. The man in the middle of the page is the one who stands out most as he has his hand up making him the centre of attention and is in front of his other band mates. The picture gets darker at the top and bottom of it allowing the text used on the page to stand out against the dark background. Another picture has also been used showing the band with the Sydney Opera house behind them. Giving the reader a different view of the band makes the page more personal making the reader want to find out more about the band therefore they read the rest of the magazine.

The only fonts used on this page are san-serif fonts but in different styles, sizes and colours. An unusual styled font has been used for each of the small sub-headings of the different pages making the page more interesting. The font used for the title ‘Kerrang’ is in the same style that is used in all the Kerrang magazines therefore the reader knows straight away what magazine they are reading.

Another theme as well as the title ‘Kerrang’ that is carried out throughout the magazine is the torn look of the pages. The top of the page looks torn and looks as if it is dripping as well as the circle label used next to the small picture at the bottom of the page. This gives the magazine that something extra making it different from other music magazines. Having it looking torn gives the magazine that ‘rock and roll’ feel by it looking reckless. The magazine attracts a young male audience with the dark colours used, the male rock band and torn pages.

I really like the torn effect at the bottom and top of the page and will try to incorporate this feature somewhere in my magazine. I also like how the one main image used shows their serious music side but a smaller image is also used showing they have a casual fun side too therefore I will try to incorporate this into my magazine.