Analysis of double page spreads

NME

Drop Capital=This is usually the first letter of a paragraph or sentence where it’s made larger and bolder than the other letters and dropped a few lines down. In this case it is used to separate one specific part of text away from the part before.

Pull quote wrapped around text=This a quotation taken from the main body of text (the interview) and is put in part of the interview with the main body of text wrapped around it. It is usually to hook the reader in and make them want to continue reading, as in this case a question is used which will make the reader want to read the interview to find out the answer.

Main image= The main image is positioned on the left side of the page so that the text follows on which is common for most magazines. Pete’s face is placed in the top third which is where the readers eyes are drawn to first. The image is in dark tones and he orange, white and brown color compliments this.

There is a short description of what the interview’s about below the main heading to engage the reader.

Main heading= This has to be gripping and easily grab the readers attention. It also has to relate to the article too, and in this case is actually taken from it.

Image= The bottom left hand image relates to part of the text and has a caption which is often a pull quote taken from the text.

Q Image= The image Jay-z fills the whole left page, indicating his presence in the article. His eyes are in the top third which draws the reader to his eyes automatically. It is a medium close up shot so you can only see part of his broad shoulders. The image is cast with a red wash-like effect on one side and a paler blue on the other creating a 3d effect making him stand out.

Pull quote= An important part of the article pulled out and placed in the corner of the facing side to the article. This is usually the first part he reader reads, so it intention is to make the reader want to read more.

Drop capital= These are the larger, bold letters that stand out at the start of various paragraphs, acting as a divide o structure the text.

The enlarged letter J is positioned over the text. It is the first letter of the artists name and the bright red anchors Q’s associated color. It has been made transparent so that the main body of text can still be seen through it. Tis feature also makes the main body of text appear smaller and people are more likely to read it.

The article doesn’t have a title which suggests the status of the artist and how he doesn’t really need a title, and the article is self explanatory. I think this is effective, as it makes the article more intriguing.

We Love PopTitle= The title contains a pun which is common for more gossip type magazines as it makes it easier to read. Also as this magazine is aimed at a younger audience, it needs to keep them engaged and entertained and this does so. Also it is typed inside a banner which appears to resemble wrapping up paper. This is again to entertain children, make it more eye catching and because this issue is a Christmas one.

Main image= The main image of the artist acts a poster as it is aimed at a young audience. The colours he is wearing compliment the colour scheme of the article. His head is in he top third and the rest of the image applies to the typical conventions of a medium close up shot, applying the rule of thirds.

Image= There is a smaller image of the artist dressed in a festive fashion, featuring speech bubbles containing a pull quote. As well as being an interesting way of including a pull quote, again it is to suit the target audience.

Text= There is a small amount of text on the page, and it is split into small parts so it’s easier to read. Also specific parts of the text are highlighted in yellow to make the reader read that first, and then have to continue reading to find out what it means. There is also a drop capital used.

After closely analysing three double page spreads from various music magazine with different genres, I have found that they all include most codes & conventions that the average music magazine does. For example, a drop capital, main image, pull quote etc. However, Q magazine doesn’t have a title and interestingly has a

large letter covering the text. I think this is effective as it makes the text look like less to read and draws the

reader in to want to read the article. I am going to use this on my magazine double page spread as it’s so

effective and stands out.