Contents page drafts

This is my first draft of my contents page:

The title is too small, it isn't clear enough that this is the contents page. However, the use and placing of the logo is good, as it creates a sense of cohesion, carrying on the logo from the cover. 

The colour change on the numbers separate them from the rest of the chunk of writing, making it easier to read the page numbers. However, I don't like the font for the numbers (or any of the page), it doesn't look professional, only messy and difficult to read. 

The page is too blank. It needs more article titles to fill it, and things need moving around so the page doesn't look so empty. 

The colours: red, white and black, continue onto this page, creating a sort of house style and a sense of cohesion throughout the magazine. 

The use of the column here makes the article stand out, thus the audience will be more likely to read it. 

The article 'Competition time' is not in line with the rest of the articles, making the page look messy and unprofessional. Also the gap underneath it doesn't look good. 

There is not enough written in the 'letter from the editor' is relation to the amount of space given to it. There needs to be more written here. 

My second draft:

The title is a much better size and font. It spans most of the width of the page, and the thickness of the bar makes the page look fuller, and draws attention to the fact that it is the contents page. Also the addition of the website promotes the online version and creates an interactive feature, so the audience can get involved.

The line on the left-hand side creates a border, boxing in the writing and making it look neater. The smaller grey bars between pictures and writing also have this effect, but to a lesser extent. 

The page looks busy, thus making the magazine look like it has a lot to offer. However, I think there could be more article titles. 

The subheadings, 'Features' and 'Monthly articles' are in their own boxes, and written in the same font as 'contents'. This separates the page out, so the reader will not be daunted or bored by looking at one massive chunk of writing. The use of subheadings also make it easier for the audience to locate the article they are looking for. 

I have added a different coloured box for the 'letter from the editor', giving it a clearer title and separating it from the rest of the page. 

The 'letter from the editor' also has more words in it, and looks fuller. The picture has been placed in the middle of the writing to create more room for the rest of the page, and to create a different effect in this part of the magazine as the writing goes around the edges of the picture

The page numbers are easier to read, and are separated from the article titles both by the different colour, and by the '|'. 

The enlargement of the titles makes them more visible than the less important descriptions, catching the reader's eye before enticing them to read on.

The column at the right-hand side looks better due to the smaller size of the circle, and the change of font. Although the spacing of the names is not quite right, I do not feel that it affects the page drastically as it is only the names of the debut acts. 

The bar on the picture makes it clear that the picture is part of that article.