Codes and conventions of a double page spread

A large image

The image used is usually direct address, which entices the reader to buy the magazine because the celebrity in the magazine is looking directly at the audience therefore it encourages them to buy the magazine.

A quoteA quote from the interview is sometimes

presented as the headline, or by the picture and sometimes it is even used in the text, to break it up. The quotes used

are usually rather controversial or shocking to grip the reader.

Another code and convention that music magazines follow is the celebrities name in bold somewhere on the double page spread. This is to make them stand out more as celebrities.

They also include a stand first, which is like an introduction to the celebrity that is included. Some readers may not know who the celebrity is just from the image, therefore introducing them would save some readers not knowing who they were reading about.

The text

All text on a double page spread is size 11 pt. and is usually aerial font, however some magazines make the font connote the genre. All double page spreads have a drop cap which shows the reader when to start reading. The text is set into columns, usually 2-4 columns. This is to make the text appear tidy and not all over the page. The page number, magazine name and text throughout usually use the same font.

Images

The main image on the double page spread is usually on the left however some magazines go against the codes and conventions and put it on the right side. Sometimes the image bleeds over the whole page, although this is not in every music magazine, it is relatively common. The picture on the double page spread always relates to the article and the artist and are ascetically pleasing.

The double page spread also includes by-lines, which are put under the images to give credit to the photographer and writer.The headline that is used for the double page spread are always short, this is so it makes the reader intrigued. The article is written in informal mode of address therefore it relaxes the reader.

Colour scheme

Double page spreads follow the same colour scheme that is ran throughout the magazine, it is usually simple so it doesn’t overpower the article. Often than not, the name of the celebrity is highlighted by the colour scheme. The colour schemes used connote which genre the magazine is, e.g. black is used a lot in rock magazines.