Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

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Thisdouble page spread isa feature ofan NM E m agazine. It’san overall attractive layoutand although there isn’tm uch balance betw een the tw o pages, I still think thatthisisappealing and looksquite easy to follow and read. There isone page w hich isforthe textual side ofthisspread and the visual side also. How ever, the m ain focusisdefinitelythe ‘extrem e close up shot’ ofthe artist, Graham Coxon. Thism ain im age ofthe artistisportrayed to lookuninterested and rather dejected; thisisbecause ofhisfacial expressions. The factthisissuch a close up shotm eansthathisfacial expressionsare the m ain focusand are looked atw ith greatdetail. Thislackof lightand the overall gloom inessof the im age exaggeratesthe suspected glum nessofthisartistspersonality. The factthatthere isno artificial lighting used throughoutthisentire spread createsthe feeling thathe isnotbeing photographed, butisjust stood there looking atthe audience, m aking thisim age m ore pow erful. The colourpalette used israthersoftand dull; w hich rem ains throughoutthe entire spread w ith thissam e them e on both pages. Thisisquite relevantto thisthem e ofarticle, as the large quote givesus the sense thatthis particulararticle could be quite like the ‘drug, sex, and rock and roll’ them e ofthe 60’s- therefore, thisglazed, ‘blurred’ effectisquite w ell suited asitalm ost connotes‘recklessness’. Although thiscould also been seen in a totally opposing w ay, and that it’sa nice change to the typical ‘punk’ style, loud brightlycoloured photographsand busy layouts. Thisuse ofaltering w ord colouration createsan ‘arty’ tw iston the article and could linkin w ith thisparticular artists’ m usicstyle. Thisalso could be seen ashaving a link in w ith the text, as ithasa subtle vom it inducing shade of green. Also, thisis an effective w ay of breaking up the text and contrasts greatlyw ith the cleanlinessand purityofthisw hite background. Thisoverlylarge quote taken from the interview below it, addsto the overall quirkinessand unique lookofthis layout. Ithasaltering fontsizesforeach letter and thisdraw sthe readerinto reading this particulartextextract. The artistisaddressing the audience directly through eye contact, pulling the readerstow ardsreading the article, and the blanknessofthism an’sexpression alm ostm akesusfeel sym pathytow ards him ; before even reading the article. Supported by the use ofw hite space, this overall sim plicityofthisdouble page spread createsthatindividual and m odern effect.

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Transcript of Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

Page 1: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

This double page spread is a feature of an NME magazine. It’s an overall attractive layout and although there isn’t much balance between the two pages, I still think that this is appealing and looks quite easy to follow and read. There is one page which is for the textual side of this spread and the visual side also. However, the main focus is definitely the ‘extreme close up shot’ of the artist, Graham Coxon.

This main image of the artist is portrayed to look uninterested and rather dejected; this is because of his facial expressions. The fact this is such a close up shot means that his facial expressions are the main focus and are looked at with great detail. This lack of light and the overall gloominess of the image exaggerates the suspected glumness of this artists personality. The fact that there is no artificial lighting used throughout this entire spread creates the feeling that he is not being photographed, but is just stood there looking at the audience, making this image more powerful.

The colour palette used is rather soft and dull; which remains throughout the entire spread with this same theme on both pages. This is quite relevant to this theme of article, as the large quote gives us the sense that this particular article could be quite like the ‘drug, sex, and rock and roll’ theme of the 60’s- therefore, this glazed, ‘blurred’ effect is quite well suited as it almost connotes ‘recklessness’. Although this could also been seen in a totally opposing way, and that it’s a nice change to the typical ‘punk’ style, loud brightly coloured photographs and busy layouts.

This use of altering word colouration creates an ‘arty’ twist on the article and could link in with this particular artists’ music style. This also could be seen as having a link in with the text, as it has a subtle vomit inducing shade of green. Also, this is an effective way of breaking up the text and contrasts greatly with the cleanliness and purity of this white background.

This overly large quote taken from the interview below it, adds to the overall quirkiness and unique look of this layout. It has altering font sizes for each letter and this draws the reader into reading this particular text extract.

The artist is addressing the audience directly through eye contact, pulling the readers towards reading the article, and the blankness of this man’s expression almost makes us feel sympathy towards him; before even reading the article. Supported by the use of white space, this overall simplicity of this double page spread creates that individual and modern effect.

Page 2: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

The colour palette used in this double page spread is black, yellows and white. This use of yellows creates a sense of positivity as it is particularly ‘happy’ colour, therefore connoting happiness.

This double page spread is taken from a magazine called ’Clash’. The Kaiser Chiefs is the main subject of this particular magazine and therefore this is their double page feature. This is a fantastic example of a good double page magazine spread with a balanced layout. It is far more unique than any other magazines and overall looks very appealing. The strong background image is so strong and relevant to the subject that this layout simply couldn’t go wrong! There is almost a perfect balance between text amounts on either side of the pages, both with an even extract of bold text. This sense of ‘symmetry’ with both the image, heading and text makes this double page spread much easier and simple to read.

The background/main image that spans through both pages of this double page spread Is of the band walking down through a busy street. This gives a sense that the band members are not very glamorized and we get the feeling that they are more genuine and ‘real’, that we can relate to them more easily.

Band members appear to be well dressed and suave. This could connote a target audience of men who take an interest as to what they wear and, like this band in particular, have an individual sense of style.

Band members all appear to be smiling and happy. This creates the sense that they are lighthearted and carefree; the type of people that you look up to, and make good role models, connoting that this is representation of a ‘fun’ ethic in the band.

The masthead is quite transparent, this simple outline of the text allows the reader to see the background image, and looks effective. But still it’s noticeable from quite a distance. This title is also positioned just below the heads of the band, therefore nothing form the main image is lost. This masthead also sticks with the colour palette of white, black and yellows. The font style is also rather vintage and unique, much like the music genre and the overall individuality of the band members shown in this feature.

The large bold quote shown in the centre of the article is a perfect way to break up the text and make it appear more ‘readable’. This is a quote is probably seen as the most humorous and interesting thing that the band member said during this interview, which seems to have been taken from the bulk of the article. This is most likely going to be the first thing that the viewers will read, therefore it is important that this quote intrigues and encourages them to read on.

Page 3: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

This contents page is spread over a double page. This has worked well because the text and the images do not appear too crowded and confusing. Everything has been spaced out evenly and it is nicely balanced and easy to look at.

I think that this magazine could be aimed at both females and males, because the colours and images used are not biased in any way or directly appealing towards just the one gender. I also think that this particular magazine would have the target audience of both females and males of 15+.

There is definitely a sense of balance and symmetry with both of these pages. The two graphics, coloured patterns on either side of the pages are quite unusual and different, these bright happy colours connote that the magazine is unique and bright.

These supporting images are conventional and located next to the text column. All of the images relating to the magazine contents and therefore sticking to the main subject and purpose of the magazine.

The text columns are laid out vertically, next to the coloured design on the edges of the page this means that the text is a lot easier to read.

There seems to be a main contents page image, this is a self portrait image of a musician. However, only people familiar with this particular music genre, shown in this magazine would be familiar with who this man would be. His direct eye contact appears to be a ‘soft gaze’ and he appears to be happy and holding a relaxed pose. This instantly makes the audience want to read this predominant article he is supporting.

These other supporting images are much smaller and less eye catching. Simply because they are at the bottom of the page and all bunched up together, side by side. Also, I think that the page numbers shown by each image are all different sizes and this highlights there importance.

The main headlines of this contents page would be the subject headings which are shown above the page numbers. This makes it a lot easier for the audience to clearly distinguish what the sorts of aspects of the magazine there are.

The colour palette is quite simple with a slash of colour from the coloured graphics well suited to the music genre.

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By looking at this particular double page spread, taken from the music magazine 'Mojo', i get the impression that the target audience would be, males and possibly females that are fans of this particular artist, Neil Young. The type of people who would enjoy this music genre, generally ages 35+ because Neil Young is a musician from about 40 years ago. Therefore, people from that era would be most familiar with his work. This particular colour palette used is made up of white, gold, grey and black. Making it appear quite formal if compared to other music magazine articles, which are quite commonly used with lots of loud and vibrant colours. This is quite well suited to the particular target audience, as they are all quite classical colours that show importance and class.

The mise en scene of this DPS aiming to present the artist as a very strong and almost vicious character. His facial expressions and stance over his guitar are both key gestures that show he is very passionate about his music. The light is highlighting the artists face which also shows that this ‘musical passion’ he is expressing is a focal point of this double page spread.

On the right page of this spread, the image of the guitar is very slightly overlapping onto the left page. This is an indication that this particular article is a double page spread and is an important feature of this layout as it gives the impression that the two pages are just one and both relate to the same thing, Neil young’s work.

The use of a single text column creates a unique layout because a typical double page spread would commonly be 3 or more columns.

This spread has been divided up into a textual page and a visual page. This, to me, is not a very conventional way of presentation as there is nothing that breaks up the text in any way. However, i do like that this creates the article to be more ‘straight to the point’ and easy to read and follow.

The use of a black and white image is also relevant to the target audience as it shows that this photograph could have been taken ‘in the moment’ when black and white images were all the rage. This is a great way to help emphasize it’s age and also the style of the photograph. This also presents the artist in a powerful and energized way.

The main title, “BE THERE, BE HERE NOW, BE IN IT” is quite effective because it stands out amongst the rest of the text and the capital letters also show they are particularly import and words. The bold white contrasts greatly with the black background. The golden colour also adds a certain level of importance as gold Is a very powerful colour that is known for its value.

Directly underneath the main heading, there is the ‘lead’. Which

has purposefully been placed just under the masthead to drip

feed information about this article and describe clearly to the

audience what the contents shall include and try to attract the

readers into reading the rest of the article!

Page 5: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

This contents page is minimalistic and less complex which makes this particular magazine appear more modern and ‘to the point’ because it does not include too much text or imagery.

The main image is most definitely the focal point of the page, because the balance between text and image is nonproportional. The majority of the page is made up of this one image. However, I think this is an unconventional grid use, because the layout of this page isn’t balanced. Therefore, the eyes are naturally drawn straight to the image and the text is not acknowledged until last. This, taking the viewers off the aim and main purpose of this contents page and are distracted by this image. Although, this could also be seen as a good thing because viewers could then question what this image is showing, therefore they are encouraged to read on.

The text columns are laid out vertically down the left hand side of the page, providing a simple layout.

The direct eye contact could suggest that this artist wants the viewers to read on and this makes him also appear like his music is meaningful and emotional perhaps. This single image would purposefully draw the viewers in to reading that predominant article.

The main page headline would be the masthead, ‘Contents’ and the magazine title restated in the top left corner. This could be to remind the viewers of the magazine name and signify this importance; making it more memorable. Also, this title is the largest text on the page and the letters are all in capital letters, connoting the importance of this masthead, so that viewers recognize this as being the contents page.

The contents section features the articles in bold text along with a ‘tagline’ from those particular articles. This could be to give the viewers a quick insight into what these articles will include. And the type of content included with this particular magazine.

Each of the page numbers are highlighted in red. This use of colour amongst the other black text and white background could signify their importance and encourage the readers to notice these first. This suggests that this page has been well-thought-out and has stuck to its main purpose, which is to guide the readers to the articles that this contents page has highlighted. Making the magazine easy to read and follow.

The colour palette is of a simple and minimalistic red white and black. This is quite traditional and makes the red text stand out the most and so the text can be broken up effectively into levels of importance.

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This particular contents page seems to be directed more to the male audience. The images show only males and the colour palette used all support this. The target audience seems to be men ages 17+. Simply because the bands shown in the images are not very modern and the use of a black and white image also suggests that this magazine would only appeal to a more mature audience.

The main contents image includes band members standing side by side. The four men are each holding the stance and expression as if they seem to think highly of themselves and this could possibly reflect their personalities and the music that they produce. Therefore, this particular image could predominately draw the audience towards that article in which this image is supporting.

I think that the red text signifies heat, anger and violence. This, to me, is quite like the heavy sort of rock and roll music. This is again well suited as it all links to the subject of the magazine.

Each of the other supporting images are all quite similar in size. This could suggest that each of these are of equal importance and the purpose of this contents page was not to draw the viewers attention towards just one or two main articles, but for all to be acknowledged evenly. All of these images are also conventional and relate to the music genre being supported.

All of the four supporting images each have the same font and font size. This also shows that they are all of equal importance and also that this page has a ‘set’ theme. This use of just one font and an appropriate colour palette also gives the sense or an organized and well though-out magazine.

The ‘grid’ appears to be dominated mainly by images and the text is not the most important aspect/focus of the page because it is the last thing that the eyes are naturally drawn to on the page setup.

There is a sense of balance shown in this contents page as I think that the images have been laid out quite neatly and the one overlapping image works well and makes the page appear more ‘laidback’ and as if the images have been quite carelessly places. But this could connote the personalities of the target audience.

The main headlines of this contents page would be the subject headings which are shown above the page numbers. This makes it a lot easier for the audience to clearly distinguish what the sorts of aspects of the magazine there are. There are also taglines for each image which makes it easier for the reader to distinguish what each article is going to be about.

The colour palette used is relevant to the ‘Rock’ genre as there is a lot of colour included and the red, black and white all seem quite ‘old school’ and attractive and easy to look at.

Page 7: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

They have combined the word ‘terror’ with the rap artist ’50 Cent’. This has also been shown through the main image. There is ‘terror’ being shown in the background and the artist is being shown strong-faced stood in the foreground.

There is no ‘selling line’ presented on the magazine cover. However, there is a short list of well-known artists names headlined up the very top of the page; presented neatly and clearly, so that they are not missed or lost amongst other text. This is almost acting as a selling line because we recognize these are music related articles, so we then know what the purpose of the magazine is.

The masthead is very bold and powerful. The solid white is well contrasted with the background colour and the colour of the main figures skin.

His strong, forceful gaze is projected directly towards the audience/viewers almost making us feel quite intimidated and small. - Also makes me wonder what has angered him. Whether, it was the action happening behind him?

The main figure of this magazine cover is holding a very strong stance and expression. This could connote that he is a powerful and important man who seems to be focused and well-off (by his smart 3-piece tuxedo).

This rather abrupt ‘mode of language’ used- ‘best damn’ is almost pushing the readers into buying and reading this particular magazine. This ‘slang’ could well of been used for their intended audience.

Although the background is very busy and eye-catching, the main focal point is still the rap artist. Therefore keeping in with the magazine’s purpose and not putting forward the wrong message and attracting the wrong sort of audience.

There is quite a lot of use of symbols throughout this front cover. These are a great way to capture the attention of the readers and to break up the text as well.

The red and yellow text also brings out the strong colours of the flames, shown in the background.

The brief case also seems to be well suited with his suit and his ‘business class look’. But also makes me wonder what is inside it… Money, important files, a bomb? Creating a sense of mystery.

Page 8: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

The masthead is also a very attractive and recognizable colour- ‘red’ and ‘white’. These work really well together and stand out amoungst all of the other text.

Red text signifies violence, aggression, death and unsettlement, so is very well suited and thoughtout to the magazine cover.

The large whit text of the lure/hook matches well with the man’s clothing and almost ‘brings out’ the smaller white text. This also proves that there is a colour palette used, including white and red.

The font of the masthead is powerful, strong and eye catching. The outline of the white and the black shadowed effect contrast each other and make it appear as though it is jumping out from the page and towards the audience. It is also well suited to the main image and the type of magazine- powerful and rather abrupt. The main fugure has no direct

eye contact, this to me isnt very captivating and effective because it doesn’t grasp the attention of the target audience. - However, this to me is also a really effective way to display the mans real emotion and pain. Almost making us, as viewers almost feel his pain and affliction.

Text is well balanced out on either sides of the image and page.

All of the text is red and white. Which, as stated before, symbolizes hurt and anger and therefore, this is keeping to a theme and structure. ‘Suicide’- links I well

with the strong, disturbing main image which connotes self harm and ‘suicide’.

This is a very eye-opening main image with a strong gesture that seems to have some sort of meaning behind why it’s being used as the cover of a magazine. Creating a sense of curiosity as to what the magazine content would be about.

The man has tattoos and is shown wearing a wife beater vest on. These could be seen as stereotypical ‘bad man’ features. Which, to me the gun just proves this, as he appears to be a violent sort of person.

Page 9: Double Page Spread/ Contents/ Front Cover deconstructions:

The cover is really well balanced out. For example, the large circular ‘Q’ of the masthead and the opposite side of it is some smaller text inside a circular outline. This gives a sense of balance and is also an effective way to ‘bring out’ this smaller text by giving it a border.

All of the text is running horizontally. This is proof that it has been designed not to become confusing and appear unattractive and untidy.

Main image has no emotion showing. This connotes that he is quite a powerful and strong character. The men shown also in the reflection are holding no expression either. This could mean that this band in particular may want to be taken quite seriously.

There is no background. It is quite bland and bare, with no distractions. This makes our eyes automatically focus in on the main image, and what we make of it.

The large ‘Q’-the masthead is very recognizable and distinct as it’s clearly placed on a solid colour; almost separated from the rest of the magazine cover.

‘Liam’s’- it is only his first name, which could prove that he is very well known in the band and that the target audience of this particular magazine would clearly know who he is, simply by reading his first name.

The main cover line includes a personal pronoun, ‘Liam’s’ which could connote that the main image of the single figure could be the most important of the group. The leader.

The text is all in red, white, black and a gold-brown colour. Showing that a colour palette has been included and there is a sense of structure and balance. - The gold-brown text matches with parts of the main image. His clothing and skin tone. - The red, being a very strong and powerful colour also shows through with the main figures lip colour.

The cover lines are a mixture of quotations, band/artist names and also article features. This is quite a nice way to show variation, and that the content of this particular magazine will be varied and not all just the same.

The main figure is quite clean cut. This makes the cover appear more tidy and smart.