double page spread analysis

Double page spread analysis

Double page 1

The first double page spread I am going to analyse is from the music magazine NME. It is simply split into text on one page and an image on the other. The purpose of this is to ensure that the space is used effectively, ensuring there isn’t lots of space left over but also not too crowded.

The colour scheme of the text and the page is linked to the colours within the image. The burnt orange which is only slightly used in the text connotes the pint in Pete Doherty’s hand; along with the colour of his top. The white text is simply used to contrast with all of the dark colours in the image, and used on the background of the second page to contrast with the black text. The purpose of this is to ensure that the text stands out to the reader.

The Masthead on this double page spread is slightly different to others as it isn’t at the top of the page. It is in the bottom two thirds of the image, followed by a personal quote which will be what the main text relates to. That is also in white text, again, to contrast with the dark colours in the image. Most magazines have the main image crossing over the centre line which joins the two pages together.

The text isn’t very big and starts with a drop capital, the drop capital is in the burnt orange keeping up the house style. Right in the centre of the main body text is a pull quote from Pete Doherty; this will have a link to the text of somewhat as pull quotes are made to be clearly noticeable to the audience as they are important.

In the bottom right of the page there is an image which links to the main body text and also has a brief description within the image. The purpose of this is to add empathy to the text also giving the reader a better idea of the text.

I like the house style and the colours used as they link through the image and the text. The colours are both bright but dim, they are dark, but also brightly stand out.

I dislike how the main image doesn’t go over the centre line as it doesn’t look as professional.

Double page 2

The second double page spread which I analysed was from the magazine Q. The background of this double page spread is the full image across both of the pages. This is different to what the layout of a double page spread usually is.

The colour scheme of this double page spread is limited to basically 3 colours. The red which is on the fabric in the image links to her red hair and red lipstick. This is professional as they have found a way to bring through that specific colour which, red, linking it into the house style more uniquely. Florence is looking directly at the reader giving the female look, inviting the reader in to read the article. Florence’s stance gives the reader the idea that she is a dominant woman; her clothing and the length of the dress also suggests this. The tight black clothing suggests she is aiming for a sexy look, however black implies darkness and depression.  The pose is assertive and links with the title of the Masthead, ‘got the love’ which could be the reason of her confidence.

The ‘USA’ text takes over both pages which is the largest font of the page. This shows that it is the main text feature of the page in order to attract the readers’ attention. The main text is in three main columns which follow the conventions of a double page spread. The first column has a drop capital which is bold and instantly attracts attention.

I like the use of the red throughout the two pages as it has been effectively used. I like how it has been linked through her hair and lipstick. This also links with the way she is dressed and her stance. I also like how the image takes up the full background, I think it looks good and grabs attention more.

Double page 3

This double page spread which I am going to analyse is from the magazine ‘Kerrang’. The image fills the right page on this double page spread also crossing over the centre line. This is one of the conventions of a double page spread. The background is simply white; however Lily Allen’s shirt is mainly bright red with a checked pattern. This brings colour to the article which will grab the readers’ attention. The choice of clothing and make-up gives off a Goth vibe. This links with the font and colours used in the Masthead.  All of the simple colours used go and look good together.

The Masthead takes up just over two of the thirds of the page. The font which is used for this is bold with a large black outline around the white text. This makes it the main feature of the page as it is the most noticeable and stands out the most compared to everything else.

The main text is in four small columns, the reason for this is probably because the Masthead takes up too much room on the page so it was the only way the main text would fit on the page. This isn’t a convention of a double page spread as it is usually three columns for text.

I like the placement of the image as you can tell it is dominant and easily catches the readers’ attention as it is the only feature with colour. I also like how bold the title is and the use of different sized letters.

I dislike how the main text has been squashed into the bottom of the first page with the use of very small font. I think the Masthead should be decreased slightly as I think it would still stand out.

Double page spread 4

The fourth double page spread I am going to analyse is from the magazine Q. The main image is exactly one full page in the left page with the story is on the right page. The convention of using a full page image is that it should go over the line where the two pages join. The background of the page which holds the text is simply white to ensure the black text stands out to the reader. The large red ‘J’ which is situated over the middle of the text which has been made to look slightly transparent. The purpose of this is the main story is about Jay Z so that is that it stands for, as well as being red which links to the magazines house style. There is also two drop capitals used but in the middle of the text rather than the beginning. This isn’t usually a convention or how they are used but it is different. The text is in two columns which isn’t a convention of a double page spread, the convention is to have it in three columns. The quote which is situated on the bottom left of the image is also in the colour red. The clothing and accessories used within the image of Jay Z are dark and bling. This connotes Jay Z as a person as well as linking to the colour scheme of the magazine. The glasses and necklace are an extra feature which shows the reader what sort of person Jay Z is even if they don’t know of him. The lighting in the picture is red, this again is linking to the colour scheme.

There is no masthead and it looks as though they have used the large ‘J’ on the text page to distract the fact there isn’t one. The colours which have been used inspired me for my own magazine as they are three simple colours however contrast well with each other. The use of the red really adds empathy to the house style making it look effective and professional which I want my magazine to look.

I like the way the accessories have been used in the image to bring out Jay Z’s personality to the reader. I also like the slightly transparent ‘J’ which has been used over the main text. It is something I would like to adapt into my own double page spread.

I dislike how the convention of the three columns hasn’t been met and there has only been two used. I also dislike how there isn’t a main masthead as that is also a convention of a double page spread.

Double page spread 5

The final double page spread which I am going to analyse is from the magazine ‘Vibe’. The main image is made to look like it is dominant compared to everything else on the page. It is mainly on the right page and meets the convention of crossing over the centre line. The background is pink which links to Nicki Minaj’s personality and appearance which you can see from the image. The colour scheme isn’t linked to the house style of the whole magazine, it has it’s own individual colour scheme which is mostly pink and black but white is brought in through her accessories and clothing to show a contrast between the colours in order to grab attention.

The text goes across two pages which isn’t a convention of a double page spread; being separated into 6 different columns of different lengths which again isn’t a convention of a double page spread. The text on the second page is typed to fit around the image which looks slightly unprofessional as well as unconventional. However, there is bold text used throughout the text to make main pints of the story stand out to guide the reader. This is most likely to appeal to a younger age range due to the colours and fonts used. There is a pull quote which contains all three colours of the colour scheme just to show an upkeep of house style to the reader.

The masthead is in black and a darker pink to the background to ensure it stands out as it is a main convention of the page. It also has contrasting fonts to make sure it stands out to the reader Below that is a summary of the article in a plain black font, similar to the story, however larger just to ensure it stands out compared to the main story as the reader needs to read this first.

I like the use of the image as it is different and stands out as being the dominant feature of the double page spread. I also like the contrasting fonts in the masthead as my eyes were instantly drawn to this. I like the use of the bold text used throughout the story to pull the readers’ attention to the important points as well as guiding them through.

I dislike the different columns as it doesn’t look like a professional double page spread and looks a bit all over the place.