DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

THE IMPORTANCE OF A DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD

The double page spread presents the main feature article of the magazine. The pages are positioned next to each other and work

as one unit so it can be digested by the reader in one view.The double page spread, as it is the main feature article, will be briefly advertised/promoted on the front cover. This means that

the DPS and front cover work together/are in conjunction in order to make sense to the reader.

In music magazines, the double page spread usually promotes/features a certain artist or band.

LAYOUTThe layout/design of the double page spread is crucial, because if the feature article isn’t impressive then it gives the impression that

the magazine itself isn’t great.When a person picks up a magazine they

usually hold the spine in their left hand and flick through the pages with their right hand

(obviously this is reversed if someone is looking from back-to-front). The most

visible area of the page at that point is the outer part of the right page, which is why the best content should be placed on the

outside parts of the spread.This makes it clear that the least important areas of the page are the bottom parts of the

spread, inner corners near the gutter, because this is where people are less likely

to look first.

Grey areas represent the most visible areas of the

spread, darker shades more visible than lighter shades. The readers eye is drawn to

the upper part which is why those areas have the

most impact.

ELEMENTS OF THE SPREAD

The design of the page should have meaning and be easy for the reader to follow, simple. Readers will concentrate on the top parts of the spread as this is the first place where their eyes will focus – this is

where the headline/title should be. The top left of the page is the natural starting point for the headline and then the rest of the article

will flow to the bottom.Big blocks of text do not need to be separated just for the sake of it, if barriers are on the page the reader will have a hard time following the flow of the article. The flow of the text columns need to be tidy and

even.Things should be made simple, by aligning the columns and also

having the images in a separate area it gives them their own place to highlight their importance. This makes the flow natural and easy for

the reader to follow.

BAD LAYOUT

OK LAYOUT

GOOD LAYOUT

MAIN IMAGEThe main image usually dominates half of the page on most double page spreads as the pages

are seen as artwork to sell the magazine. The main image relates to the front cover of the magazine and they will both represent the same theme and artist but the pictures should be

taken in a different way to make it more interesting.A few other images should be used on a DPS which usually anchor around the text to add

colour and diversity to the page.Sometimes the main image is actually the background and bleeds throughout the page. This

image always relates to the main article and must look good as this is one of the main factors which may encourage someone to buy the magazine.

Under the image, by-lines will feature (credit to the photographer and writer).

HEADLINE

This is the most important textual element on the page as it is one of the first things that will draw the reader’s attention and lure him into reading the article. If the headline is not interesting or appealing then the reader

may get bored and pick up the next magazine on the shelf.Headlines can vary in size and they can be positioned in different places.

The correct starting point is the top (preferably left) of the page. Also the headline should be a bigger size regarding other text elements on the

page.Some headlines consist of an interesting quote from an interview in the article and if not it will relate to the article in a major way – to show the

reader what the article is about.The headlines for double page spreads are always short because it makes the reader understand what the article is about and then maybe intrigue

them.

PULL QUOTESA pull quote is a display element which brings visual power to the page and attracts the reader. Pull quotes be the most interesting parts of the story and emphasise them. This entices the reader to read more of the article because pull quotes are usually shocking,

exciting, fun etc.They act as a great tool when trying to break up big blocks of text and you can also use

them in conjunction with and image so they can tell the story in their own way. Pull quotes can be directly taken out of the body text or can be summarised pieces of text.They should be big enough to catch the readers attention as they are scanning the page but not nearly as big as the headline. Also they can be placed wherever on the page and

decorated accordingly, so they vary across different genres of magazines.

BODY COPY/BODY TEXTThe main body text contains the information of the article. The text is set out in columns (as shown on previous slides) in order for the DPS to look more organised and well planned out because it means there

are not big clumped up blocks of text.The body text is the largest part of the article and should be equally

interesting as the design of the page; because if it’s not set out in interesting ways, the magazine will lose readers.

The main body will relate to the main image and headline and include relevant information that will interest the reader. Some body texts are

only interviews of a specific artist/celebrity.The vocabulary in the body text is informal as to appeal to reader by making it an easy read. This means it should not be boring and too

long because the reader may lose interest and not read all of it.The body font is usually Sans-Serif font as it is seen as easier to read.

INTRO (STAND-FIRST)This is the introduction of the article. After the headline catches the

attention of the reader, the intro acts as a bridge between that headline and the body text. It briefly describes what you will expect to find in the article and sets the tone. Basically the intro text should summarise

the article and draw in the reader’s attention.The intro should be larger in size than the body text but not nearly as big as the headline of the article. Also, for design purposes, it can be

featured in a different font.The intro text should be positioned right below the headline because

they work in conjunction with one and other as they both try to persuade the reader to read on.

It normally states what the article includes, talking about the artist/band etc.

IMAGE CAPTIONSImage captions include

information that works in conjunction with smaller

images on the page. They may also accompany the main image to explain to the audience what is being

displayed.Image captions should be

placed below or on top of the image, never above and should

be very short. They should only give a brief description of

the image so if it is too long the reader will get bored.

FOLIOThe folio is featured at the bottom of (preferably) both pages but can

only be placed on the right page if necessary. They can consist of several elements. The page number is mandatory but others are

optional. This includes things such as; logo, date, month, web page etc. Folios serve a big purpose as they make the reader aware of where they are in the magazine and gives extra information they might also want

to be aware of.

DROP CAPITAL & GUTTER

The drop capital is featured in the very first paragraph – it is the introducing letter and is quite large. They can vary in size but normally drop down 8 or 9 lines. It makes the reader aware of

where the article starts.

The gutter is the space between the columns. It separates columns using a thin vertical line to clearly show which column

is which so the reader does not get confused.