Analysing a Double Page Spread #1

Layout There are two columns used in NME’s double page spread. There is one dominant image of The Verve – the alternative rock band that the spread is all about. The image takes up the full right page and this is the only image. The strapline features a pull quote from one of the band members; this is placed underneath the article title. This draws the reader in further with an almost voice coming from the band. There is another pull quote layered on top of the main image. The first paragraph starts with a drop cap; this signifies readers where to start reading from. The colour palette is green, black and white. Most of the text is black, the pull quotes are green and there is a green pattern on the top of the page. The background is white and the image is very dark and the band members are all wearing black and dark clothing.

Images The dominant image has an apparent representation due to the dark lighting and casual clothing. These features lend a sense of the rock and indie genre. The only photograph presented is of three men looking at a piece of paper – probably lyrics or choreographed instructions. They are distracted and seem unaware that they are being photographed. The spread is balanced with both an image and text as they both take up the same amount of space. The main image is anchored by a quote. The colours of the magazine, black and white, incorporate into the image as one of the t-shirts is white and their jackets are black. The image point of view is not gender orientated and could be through the eyes of a male and a female. This is because there is no sexual based content and the band members are shot casually with an everyday style.

Language The text is written in third person and the language is formal with no slang. The font is Times New Roman and when a band member’s name is mentioned this appears in bold. The article title and the pull quotes are in a more modern font. The article is built around quotes given from the band members. The pace is slow due to the lengthy sentences and punctuation. The language is directed at both males and females of around sixteen plus. The article is about The Verve’s fourth studio album and their comeback dates. The quotes from the band members allow the reader to feel like they are being spoken to directly. This gives a personal and intimate touch to the double page spread.

In response to the feedback comments:

I like how the photographer portrays the image as if the artists are totally unaware of the photo being taken and that they are at work, reading some lyrics.

I really like this layout of the double page spread. I like how the page is split into half - half text, half one main image. I will also follow this layout. I like the pull quote layoured ontop of the main image, the two columns and the catchy article title with a black strip behind the text. These are all connotations I will follow when completing my double page spread.

Contents Page Deconstructions #3

The title of the page is positioned on the top left hand side of the page. It is in a yellow, grungy type font style.

The date and issue number is positioned right under the masthead in a smaller font in white. The telephone number is on the bottom right hand side of the page, in a small yellow font.

The text is mainly the page numbers with the name of the artist that will appear on that page. There is a short introductory letter from the deputy editor of Kerrang. The purpose of this is to introduce this week’s issue and to give an idea on what will be included in the magazine. 95% of the text is in the bottom section of the page. The pages are categorised and are in numerical order.

 

The font used is consistent throughout although half is in bold. The bold writing certifies the headings, usually band names. The title “contents” is in a grungy style font, typical of Kerrang magazine. It is yellow which stands out clearly from the black. The categories differentiating the pages are in yellow also. This colour scheme is balanced making the page look organized and professional.

There are three images of people and five images of Kerrang magazines. The main image is of a Blink 182 band member performing on stage with his guitar. It takes up ½ of the page. It is anchored by a subheading and a page number. Next to him are two Kerrang magazines anchored by a page number and a subheading. In the below half of the page is a small photograph of the deputy editor of Kerrang on the left hand side. On the right hand side is a picture of Hayley Williams performing on stage. This photograph is anchored by a page number and text. Underneath are three small images of Kerrang magazines. They are relevant to the advertisement that it is anchored by.

The page is split into two parts. The first part is images plus the title of the page. The main image takes up the whole top half, with small images and a title layered on top. The bottom half includes the page numbers and titles. The contents page is image led as the photographs take up the majority of the page and they stand out more than the text.

The text is not using conventions of language e.g. enigma codes or puns etc. The main text is names of artists, bands and a small description relating to the article about them. The reader is captured to the different pages and texts by their appeal for the artist rather than the descriptive language used.

Most of the text is black unless it is on a black background then it is white. The page numbers are in red and the subheadings are yellow. The two main images are taken at a gig, therefore a black background with bright orange and red lights and white smoke. This gives a true gig/concert effect relevant to the magazine and music genres included.

In response to the feedback comments:
I like how the page numbers are split into categories and how they have creative headings. I will use this in my magazine. I also like how there is a photo of the editor and a letter from him directly talking to the reader. This gives off a very personal, relaxed tone.

Contents Page Deconstructions #2

The masthead is positioned on the top left hand side of the page. The title of the magazine is in its logo and the title of the page is in a bold, clear, white font.

The date is positioned on the top right hand side of the page. The issue number is right by its side. This is in the same font as the title of the page but in a smaller size.

The text is the page numbers, the page titles and extra information about what can be found on the page. The purpose is to make the magazine layout clear to the reader and allows them to find their chosen page quickly. The text is placed on the left hand side in a column and a small section is included at the bottom of the page. The page numbers are in numerical order.

The font is consistent throughout. The titles and the subheadings are in the same colour and font. This lends synergy between them and makes the page have an ordered finish, which is clear to the eyes when reading what pieces of information are where. The colour red is used for the page numbers and the column headings. Bold text is used to identify the subheadings and the title of the page.

There are two images. The main image takes up a 1/3 of the page and is of a band which features an article in the magazine. It is positioned on the right hand side of the page. It is anchored by a page number and a subheading. The second image is must smaller and relates to the “Q review”. It is anchored by a page number and a subheading also. It is positioned centrally at the bottom of the page.

The layout is clear and easy to read therefore serving a contents page’s purpose: being easy to read and use. A quote relating to the main image is placed on top of the photograph. Even though the main image takes up a lot of the page, the contents is still text led as there is more text than images.

The titles of the different pages featured in the magazine are the only text; including a quick overview of what the page will entail, underneath the heading. These titles are short and to the point. There is no use of rhetorical questions or alliteration. The language is simple and basic.

Most of the text is in black but the page numbers are red. This allows a clear contrast, which is easy and navigable to read. The headings are white over a red background. The “oasis special” is in gold. This reflects the speciality of the feature. There are two images, one main image and one smaller image. Both images have bland colours. The main image is shot outside with natural light. The smaller image has sunlight shining through. This sets an ordinary, content tone.



In response to the feedback comments:
I like the anchorage on the main image. On my contents page I will have place the page number and page title ontop of the image in seperation to the list on page numbers. This makes the page clearer, neater and more interesting.

Contents Page Deconstructions #1

The masthead is positioned centrally across the top of the page. The font style is in bold capitals with “NME” in red with a white outline. “CONTENTS” is in white.

The date is underneath the masthead in a small font. All page numbers are positioned down the right hand side with the page titles next to them. The telephone number is printed small on the bottom of the page.

There is text anchoring the main image, describing its purpose and giving an insight of the article found further on in the magazine. The text is in second person which involves the reader. Each page number has a subheading with extra information on what else will be found on that page. The page numbers are not listed in numerical order but in categories.

The font is consistent across the page making everything look neat and professional. The headings are in bold which makes the page navigable and clear to understand at a glance. The page numbers are in red, which is a contrast to the black text, this allows the reader to take note of the number straight away and find the page quickly.

There is one main image of singer Alex Turner which is a medium shot of a size that takes up a quarter of the page. The only other image is of a small NME magazine at the bottom of the page which is part of an advertisement. The main image is anchored with the band name “Arctic Monkeys” and the page number in which the article can be found. There is no writing over the images.

The page is set out in columns and sections. There is no layering involved. The text underneath the main image relates to it as it is talking about Alex Turner who is in that image. The page is text led as there is only one photograph.

The text underneath the main image begins with alliteration; it then uses humour with the use of brackets supplying information as if the magazine is in current conversation with the reader.

The text is black but the page numbers are red. This allows them to contrast which is clear to read. The subheadings are white on a black background. This makes them different to the plain black text underneath. A small section of text is in yellow. The text is trying to sell something to the reader; therefore it must stand out in order for a potential buy. The image is very dark as the background is black, Alex turner is wearing a black vest and his guitar is black. This sets an obscure, sophisticated mood.

In response to the feedback comments:

I like how the pages are not in chronological order but in categories and are in order within those categories. I will split my page numbers into categories, for example music and fashion. I dislike the quantity of text as I feel there is too much and the page looks too crowded rather than navigable - which is what a contents page should be. I will also include a subscribe section on my contents page.

Front Cover Deconstructions #3

Kerrang

Font: The font is consistent across the page with white, capitalised, bold writing. The masthead and the title of the band – Blink 182 – who receive a double page spread, is in a bigger, bolder font with a grungy looking style. This will appeal to the target audience of Kerrang. Kerrang’s target audience is male and females, mostly males, who like the genres punk, rock and grunge music.

Text: The alliterative “blast back” stands out and grabs the reader’s attention to that particular story. There is not much text on the front cover, which makes the main image the key focus.  The text that is included is very informal and casual which is comfortable to the reader. The target audience for Kerrang is mainly 14-19 year olds, people this age generally prefer informal, easy-going texts.

Colour: The colour is a consistency of black, white, red and blue. These colours appeal the target audience and the genre of the magazine. The black represents the punk music genre and the red and blue appeal to both the male and females of the target audience. The white is a nice contrast and balances out the colours.

Body Language/Staging: The main image is of the band Blink 182. They are centrally aligned and the three of them are standing next to each other. One of the band members is pulling a typical rock pose with his hands. This will appeal to the target audience as they will recognise this.

Framing: The band is shot in a medium pose and they take up 90% of the frame. 

Lighting: The lighting used is high key lighting. The brightness of the band and their mixture of smiling and content faces set a friendly, relaxed tone.

Composition: The sell lines are placed around Blink 182. Their heads cover some of the masthead but it is still easily recognised as Kerrang. Their band name is clearly printed across their chest making them the main part of the front cover. The target audience will be attracted to this especially if they are fans of Blink 182.


In response to the feedback comments:
I like how there is an eyeline match with every image on the front cover. I also like the strap line at the bottom of the cover in a different colour to the background, listing different bands and artists which will be featured inside. In my magazine I will include this on my front cover in a similar style. I dislike how there is five smaller images in addition to the main image. I will avoid this because it gives the main image less impact and makes the front cover too crowded. I also feel that the barcode and the essential information is too big.

Front Cover Deconstructions #2

Q

Font: The font is clear and easy to read due to the boldness and the capitals which jump off the page. The font style is consistent apart from “AMY” which is in a type writer style font. This allows the main image’s name – Amy Winehouse - to stand out and grab attention. There is a mixture of italics within the text to make different pieces of information to be read at alternate times.

Text: The text is informal and friendly giving off a casual and relaxed tone, inviting the audience in. The text is written in second person allowing the reader to feel included and spoken to directly. With the use of the repeated word “we” the reader feels very much involved in the current topic.

Colour: The colour palett is orange, white and black. These colours complement each other. They are unisex colours therefore appeals to either a male or female reader. Q magazine’s target audience is both male and female.

Body Language/Staging: Amy Winehouse, who is the main image, is shot in a medium close up with a “chocolate box” pose. This is a full shot pose, with a slight parting of the lips. The emphasis is on her and her attractiveness. The shot makes her look ‘flawless’ which would appeal to both men and women. Stereotypically the women would envy her look whilst men would find her very attractive. On the shelf, any reader who loved Amy Winehouse would pick up the magazine immediately to have a read.

Framing: Amy Winehouse is placed on the right hand side of the cover but takes up 80% of the frame.

Lighting: Amy Winehouse is shot using low key lighting. Half of Amy’s face is shadowed slightly whereas the other half is lit up. Her chest is shadowed in places too therefore the main focus is on the right side of her face as this is the lightest lit. The half and half lighting sends out the message that she has two contrasting sides to her, this may be to do with her personal life or her music. The lighting makes the shot more intriguing.

Composition: The main sell line and the other sell lines don’t hide any of her face or body. They are placed around her making her the dominant focus.



In response to the feedback comments:
The shadows on her face is due delibriately by the lighting. The dark shadows make her look mysterious as if she is hiding something. This issue was released a year after Amy Winehouse died so they have chosen a photograph most related to her famous image - big, beehive, messy hair and thick, black, tattooed eyeliner. The hidden message of this photograph is that she had a lot of secrets. This is portrayed through her shadowed skin and her bright, green eyes being emphasised.

Front Cover Deconstructions #1

NME

Font: The font is very bold, clear and easy to read. Most of the text on the front cover is in Capitals. This ‘screams’ of the page therefore grabbing the reader’s attention. The font style is consistent across the page, making it look professional, tidy and inviting to read. The font style is also modern which appeals nicely to the young target audience.

Text: There is not much text on the front cover allowing most of the text to stand out individually. The main text is the name of bands and quotes that they have said in an interview. This will attract the target audience because the main reason NME’s audience buy the magazine is because they are music fans.

Colour: The colour is a consistency of blue, white and black text. This colour scheme incorporates into the main image as Lana Del Rey is wearing a white dress and has blue nails. These are unisex colours therefore appealing to both men and women in the target audience.

Body Language/Staging: The main image is of Lana Del Rey in a “super smiler” pose. This is a confident pose and would attract both men and women who like things not too serious and have crazy-like personalities. Men would also find her attractive and women would like to stylize and admire her.

Framing: Lana Del Rey is centrally situated on the cover in a medium shot. Everything else is portrayed around her.

Lighting: The main image is lit up making her stand out immediately on the cover. Her face is the brightest because she is sticking her tongue out, therefore this is the main focus compared to her lower lit body. The face is important and is sending out the message that this new star is unique and just like the pull quote “psycho” which matches this controversial pose.

Composition: Lana Del Rey is central, the main sell line about her is central but on a slant which is matching her head which is positioned on a diagonal. All the other sell lines are portrayed smaller around her therefore keeping Lana the main focus.


In response to the feedback comments:
The American Flag is in relation to her image. Her image is very old school - 50's and 60's America, therefore the flag represents this. The dress is plain to contrast with the background and to not make the cover too crowded. Her dramatic makeup - dark eyes and red lips - is very dramatic which matches her facial pose and also reflects her musical image.
From this cover I have ideas for my own magazine. I like how the colour of her nails match some of the text colour. This makes the cover very consistent and match up, colourwise, overall making the cover attractive.