Just like Kerrang!, Q magazine is published by Bauer Media group at a monthly rate with each issue costing around £4.50. Q magazine has a total circulation of 44,050.
The contents page of Q follows a colour scheme of red, black, white and tinges of blue, in which these colours are associated with elegance and consistency attracts the readers attention due to the bold use of colours. As red connotes luxury, black connotes power, white suggests innocence and blue suggests tranquility, this elucidates the idea to readers of a sophisticated and urban magazine, thus appealing to Niche target audiences who may not like the 'busyness' and 'messiness' other magazines such as NME may connote. The contents page is also laid out in 2 clear columns, opting for a very formal and simple look which makes skimming and looking over the contents page alot more easier for readers.
With a bold red graphic used at the top of the page, this catches the readers eye straight away due to the brightness of the colour and it being the brand identity, as well as the graphic being placed in the skyline. As the magazine logo is placed in the top left hand corner, this allows readers to further identify what brand magazine the contents page belongs too as well as make it stand out as it is white which stands out amongst the red background. Furthermore, with the issue no. being placed as-well this creates an emphasis on the version of the magazine and just how many have been made, connoting the continuity of the magazine. With a simplistic title used and no particular fancy fonts, this adds to the schematic connotations the contents page elucidates.
The main image, which is spread across 2 pages, uses page furniture-in this case, an eagle which could possibly suggest the dominance of the man trying to tame it. What is unusual about this main image is that within the background, the studio lights and wallpaper can be seen; taking away the professional element of the image and instead replacing it with a fun and personal connotation to what is going to be within the magazine. The use of such large font to connote the page number helps make this factor stand out so readers can find the page easily. Also, there are 3 other images that seem to conjoin with the main image, which although having nothing to do with the main image, help maintain the neatness and order the contents page possesses.
With the use of banners in the contents page to label each of the column, which is spaced out using a gutter, both 'Features' and 'Regular', this once again applies to the colour scheme by the bold red and white used to stand out amongst the rest of the content. In this section of the contents page, typeface is applied as both columns use the same font and colour scheme to create a delicate look all throughout. Interestingly, Q magazine uses the photo of the union jack to appeal to a featured article- 50 ultimate British songs- which also applies to the colour scheme and does not look out of place.
Q Magazine previews the front cover and all the double page spreads in the contents page, which gives readers a further glimpse into what can be expected. However, this could also be a Lure technique used by the magazine in which if readers pick up the magazine off the shelves and have a quick glimpse; if the content appeals to them, there is more chance of the magazine being bought.
In comparison to other magazine contents page such as NME and Billboard, Q Magazine offers a direct and easy-to-see introduction into what exactly is going to be within the magazine instead of perhaps holding particular information back for readers to read within. Furthermore, what is particularly distinctive about the contents is the neatness contrasted with the messy background, as well as the amount of sub-genres within rock/indie that is covered; thus helping Q to appeal to many members of its niche audience.