School Magazine: Finalised Contents Page

This is my finished Contents page which follows the theme set from my brief, ICT suite, along with other features of a school magazine such as the Science element featured in the magazine.

 For my contents page I used a total of two images as my contents research all had more than one image, bar one which was particularly effective although not suitable for a school magazine. Most of the research had around three images plus, however I did not want the contents page overcrowded, which I feared would happen if I added more images. I used images related to the feature of science as although my brief was about the ICT suite, I felt I needed to showcase other features of the magazine otherwise the images would have been too similar. I used the same blue colour as the logo and the front page for the titles and numbers along with the same maroon which was used in the logo and front page. I also used the black border, to correspond with the front page, which was in black and white. I used the same font as I used in the front page and ensured all the text lined up as this is considered good design. I used white font colour on the title as it not only showed up on the black border, but also matches the white lab coats which the students are wearing in the main picture. This is also considered good design. The numbers have also been outlined in bold to ensure they can be read. I am sure this corresponds to my brief and fits in with the school front cover.  

School Magazine: Contents Page Implementation

I designed my Contents page using the same software, InDesign, as I had previously used to create my Front cover.



I first inserted a border at the top of the page, this prevents the main image becoming too heavy, which would occur if the image was placed at the top of the page.

I then inserted the title, using the same font, Trajon Pro, size 60 as the front page to ensure the design element is consistent and professional. I also hung the black border slightly over the edge to ensure there was no white borders.

I then began to insert the logo by using the "place" function.

 I then selected the logo and moved it into position, by the title.

I then begain to create the actual contents page by inserting the page numbers and the page details on the left hand side. I used the same font and the sky blue that had previously been used on the front cover and in the logo. I aligned the features box with the logo for design purposes.

I then used the same blue for the number, although i used a sans serif font as this is considered good design. I used this colour to add some colour tot he contents page as the front cover is in black and white and coloud be considered boring if too dull.

I used two different fonts for the page title and then the details to add some interest to the contents page.

I continued on with this until all the page numbers and details were positioned on the contents page.





I then inserted the images from my second photoshoot and moved the layout around to fit both images in. 

School Magazine: Contents Page General Research

I have decided to research contents pages of various different magazines which I hope will help me when designing my own contents page for the school magazine. I have chosen several contents pages, each with differing layouts and main features.

This contents page is rather good as it clearly shows the magazine features down the left hand side of the page as well as a image, which corresponds to one of the features, which are coded with page numbers. A review is also shown at the bottom of the page which insures the magazine has an additional feature. the layout is very simple, yet effective, with the colour scheme being mainly sliver and black, with a slight hint of red which stops the colour scheme from being too boring and uninteresting. I think I would probably use this layout for a school magazine as it is clear and concise, although I would have to make the colour scheme more interesting to grab pupils attention.

 This contents page is rather similar to the first one, however, the page is busier, and has the features, which are likewise page and colour coded, down the right hand side, not the left, which I prefer. There are also numerous images which correspond to some of the features and make the magazine look fuller and more interesting. The colour scheme still involves the grey, which I like, but I think the busier look will probably be more appropriate for the school magazine and more appealing to the target audience.  

This contents page, unlike the other two, have much more colour, which is apt considering it is actually for a fashion magazine. This contents page has the main image at the top of the page and a introductory column on the left hand side, which although I think is a nice touch, I do not think suitable for a school magazine. The features are much smaller on this contents page and although under clearer headings, I do not think are as clear. I do actually like this contents page as the images add a splash of colour to the otherwise dull colour scheme but I do not think it is as suitable for a school magazine, although I will keep it in mind when creating my contents page.

This contents page is extremely effective with the dark colour scheme and rather strong image which grabs the readers attention. The features, which are on the right hand side, are pretty small and slightly difficult to read. I do, however, like the idea that unlike the other contents pages, an image is the main focus which is extremely interesting and eye catching. This then means the magazine is interesting and also allows the contents page to show the main focus of the magazine. I think this is obviously an excellent technique for a fashion or music magazine, but I doubt this would be as effective with a school magazine, although I still like the minimalistic colour scheme that seems to be shown throughout my research.

 This contents page is probably my least favourite as although it looks professional, the white background is very uninspiring and leaves the page looking slightly bland. There is also unused space, such as in the left hand corner, which unlike the previous contents page, does not add to the overall effect. The features are still coded by page numbers which makes the features easy to find. I think this layout, however, would not suit a school magazine as it would not capture the pupils attention, it needs to have either an effective image or a brighter colour scheme.