Table of Content Analysis and Sketches

 Table of Contents: A list of articles inside the first pages of a magazine to create an organized guide for readers. 

Example 1:

This table of contents was featured in Vogue, a well known fashion and lifestyle magazine. It begins with a large masthead, aligned to the right. This is also the title of the magazine, but it is not in the capital letters and font Vogue covers are known for. Instead, it is in all lowercase symbolizing it is not as significant as the cover. Above the masthead, is a small selling line stating the page is the table of contents along with the date directly next to it. A large photograph is placed beneath the masthead to the left. The off center masthead overlaps the image, signifying that the title is still the most prevalent piece of information on the page, highlighting how Vogue's reputation determines its dependability. The rest of the page is littered with page numbers and their corresponding articles, but subheadings section off pieces of the contents depending on content of the articles (ie. beauty, celebrities, regulars). In the bottom right, a small duplicate of the cover photo is featured along with a small blurb of text about the products and photographer used. A strict color scheme is used throughout the magazine consisting of black, red, and teals. Most text on the page is black, with subheadings and the date in red. This contrast highlights the colored text and draws readers eyes to it. The large image has the most color on the page, with deep blues and teals. The reader is drawn to the image but does not get full context of the design, carrying the reader further into the magazine. This page is not minimal but does not reveal all aspects of the magazine. A small taste of unique fashion is featured on the page creating reader interest, raising questions as to what creativity may be inside the next few pages.

Example 2:

This table of contents is from Teen Vogue, a variation of vogue designed to connect with younger audiences. Noticeable differences between this page and example one include the placement of the masthead, date, and page numbers and articles. The masthead is placed vertically to the left of the page, beneath other text, almost translucent. The masthead is a light blue, and is not visibly viewed as the most important part of the page. The font of the masthead is not consistent, with "Teen" in a bold sans-serif and "Vogue" in the classic serif font. This is used to express the modernity of teens and still tie into the classic reputation of Vogue magazine.  Next, the date line is very large. This dates the information inside the magazine, as teens often conform to current fashion trends, while the traditional Vogue magazine aims to create timeless content. Unlike the previous cover, all articles and there corresponding page numbers are at the bottom of the page, overlapping the masthead. Featured articles are circled in a blue pencil-like brush, drawing viewers eyes to them to highlight their significance. The color palette is more neutral than the previous example with occasional light blue text and beige in the photo of the woman. The neutral color palette minimizes  the effect of the page and allows readers to fantasize what elements may be more extreme in future pages. 

Sketch 1:

In this sketch, the masthead is bolded in the top left of the page. The masthead is also the title of the magazine, similar to Vogue. Beneath the masthead is the largest photo on the page, a design sketch of a fashion model. This sketch will be in black and white contrasting the bold color that will be used for the masthead. The feature articles are placed to the right of the picture in bolder, bigger font. Their are about five feature articles, following tradition fashion magazine conventions of not overstuffing the pages with information. Beneath the drawing are smaller, less significant articles, numerically ordered. The font will be smaller for these articles, as they do not hold as much value as the larger printed ones. The page numbers will be in a color directly contrasting the color of the masthead, while all other text will be black. The bottom right will contain two images, one being a nail polish bottle signifying the beauty side of the magazine. The other image will be the definition of the masthead title "Eudaimonia". The sets the tone for the entire magazine and lets readers in on the secrets of the unique magazine title. Lastly, the title of the page and the date is placed in small font in the top right. The label "contents" is mostly for identification purposes, but readers can easily understand the purpose of the page without the label hence the size. The size of the date has a similar purpose, as the date is already stated on the front cover. It is also smaller because like Vogue, this magazine aims to create timeless content.

Sketch 2:

This sketch is significantly different from sketch one with the lack of magazine title, placement of images, placement of text, and lack of date. To begin, the top of the page is covered with the masthead "contents" labeling the page. This boldly demonstrates the purpose of the page without subtleties. Beneath the image are three images. Similarly seen in film, the rule of thirds applied, with one centered image and two equally placed to the right. These images will most likely all relate to each other, whether they are from the same photoshoot or are a consistent sequence of drawings. The text below the images contains page numbers and their corresponding articles. Unlike sketch one, the feature articles are not grouped into one section, but dispersed throughout the list. Pages are ordered numerically with the occasional feature article in a larger font, with a small description of the article beneath it. The color scheme of this page will consist of predominantly neutral colors. The three images next to each other would clash with too much color and create unorganized chaos. Light colors will be used in the masthead and other bolded fonts to maintain reader's interest. Although some may say the neutral color palette is boring, neutral colors create a steady atmosphere and allow readers to imagine what bright colors will be in the following pages. Lastly. this page lacks a magazine title and date. Both of these elements will be on the front cover of the magazine so they are not necessary for reader comprehension. 

Sketch 3:

This sketch is most similar to sketch one, aside from the masthead placement. The masthead is positioned vertically om the left side of the page, facing inwards stretching from bottom to top. This masthead is the title of the magazine, Eudaimonia. Above the masthead is the title of the page and date. This text is horizontal and centered to the middle of the masthead. To the direct left of this text is feature articles and their corresponding page. Like sketch one, their are only five and they are in a much larger font than other articles on the page. Beneath each article title is a small blurb about the article, gaining readers interest. Often these article will be interviews from a celebrity, reference the cover photo, or have extreme significance to a current event. To the right of the feature articles will be a large image. This mostly likely be a sketch of a fashion model with raw edges and smudge marks. This sketch represents the beginning stages of a design, just as the table of contents is at the beginning of a magazine laying the foundation for future pages. Beneath all of this is the lesser articles of the magazine and their corresponding page numbers. These titles are listed in numerical order and are in a smaller font. In this sketch, a definition of the masthead is also placed at the bottom, but consideration is being made whether it should be removed. A downside of removing it would be that readers don't receive clear indications of the tone of the magazine, but removing it would decrease clutter. Lastly, a neutral color palette with metallic accents is being contemplated for this page. The neutral colors would balance the page and pops of metallic would create shine and contrast, warming the page. 

Conclusion:

Overall, I lean most towards sketch one. I like the masthead being the title of the magazine and the placement at the top of the page. I also adore the connection to beauty through the nail polish bottle. The definition at the bottom of the page allows readers insight into the theme of the magazine and creates an aesthetically pleasing message. The placement of the featured articles, sectioned away from the other text, is quite beneficial to readers by allowing them to pinpoint pages that might have been mentioned on the color. Color scheme is still up in the air, but I'm leaning towards the color palette suggested in sketch one or sketch three.