Evaluation of Double page spreads

Double page spreads were the final part to my format research, other key features could be added to the analysis and the earlier research help me with this. As a result of looking at the front covers, contents and then the double page spreads the branding of the magazines became clearer to me as I could see the development. Furthermore, it meant that I would see how the main story identified on the cover was then listed on the contents and finally all written up over the two pages. I could see the flow of information form each of the pages. Similarly colour from the front cover is again used for the masthead of the double page spreads; likewise the same font is used, all supporting the creation of branding.

One immediate similarity identified between the three double page spreads is that the images all used rule of thirds, this is effective at making the image more visually appealing and also resulting in the title being seen clearly as the main focus is based towards one side.  I would like to incorporate, yet challenge this convention, as I want my magazine to be unique, I could do this by using rule of thirds but including more than one image. Moreover a drop cap is another feature that appears in two of the magazines, I think this is successful because it clearly shows the start of the article, I want to include this in my own magazine as I feel it works well where it has been used.

In addition I have learnt from my format research that the music magazines try to reinforce their brand through repetition, in this case they have used the same colour for the titles throughout the front cover, contents and double page spreads. The colour used not only reflects on the genre of music but is also evidence of the repetition. I will consider this in the creation of my own magazine, sticking to colour scheme and house style that I decide on. Another norm that I have found is that the lexis used throughout the magazine articles found on the double page spreads reflect on the genre of music and who is reading it. Although they are all written in columns and paragraphs, unusual words and informal language can be identified in both the NME magazine and Keerang. This may be aimed to appeal to the younger target audiences.

After all this research I now have a better idea of what genre I would like to base my music magazine on, that being either rock or alternative/indie music. I need to take into consideration features such as anchors, photo captions, drop caps, colour, font and layout that I will use for my double page. Furthermore the content of the article, making it appeal to readers and being relevant to the subject. All of the format research has demonstrated to me that everything found on the front cover, contents and double pages contributes to the branding of the magazine and that I need to do this to ensure my magazine stands out from the others.