First TA of a DPS for my media foundation portfolio.

2. The DPS I am analysing…

3. The Background
The background is quite plain as it is a grey colour. This is used most likely due to any text
that is put on can easily be seen and read without a problem. All of the text, and the main
image, stands out a lot from the background, hence why it is used. Although grey maybe
classed as a ‘dull’ colour, it is used quite well on this particular DPS due to the image
contrasting this colour and the text is vibrant so its stands out.
Around the edges of the background, there are white circles all the way around. This could
possibly connote the ‘stardom’ as they could be seen as spotlights which are usually linked
with famous celebrities or stars. It could also connote the interview that is taking place as
lights could be related to an interview as cameras are on them.
There are stars around the outside of the quote too, this could connote the interview being
‘exclusive’ or once again connoting fame.

4. Typography
On a DPS, a lot of copy is present, as shows on this DPS. The heading, which is also a
quote, is presented in large text and in colours which stand out. The text is in white and
purple which alternates through the header. This is used as it looks more interested as well
as it looking more intriguing and interesting to compared to a fully white header. The
‘absolutely’ is in much larger size than the rest of the text. This connotes that this part of the
quote is the most important and it draws the reader into reading the article.
A quote is commonly used on a DPS as it gives the reader a quick insight into what to
expect when reading the article. This is one of the questions that is reworded to sound like
he is asking and answering the question. The quote is also used as it gives it a slight
personal touch to the article, which is important for any fan reading this article as the reader
will expect to feel what his life is like, hence the interview. Also, the use of a question is also
quite common as it gives it a rhetorical question feel. This is used for persuasion to get the
reader to read the article to get more information from the partially unanswered question.

5. Typography (cont.)
Just underneath the main header and the quote is a quick description on what the reader
should expect in the article. This gives the reader a summary of what is included in the
article. Additionally, this is also used to persuade the reader to read this particular article as
it is meant to draw them in to become interested in it.
The header also bleeds over to the other page. This is a feature that’s occurs in most DPS’
as it is a ‘spread’ which covers 2 pages. This is used to indicate that both pages are related
to the same article.
The main body of text on the page is quite simple, but effective. The producers have made
it obvious which part of the copy is the question and which part is the answer (as it is an
interview). All of the text is in black, but the question is highlighted in white to make it stand
out so the reader knows that the text underneath is the answer to that specific question.
This increases easiness and accessibility.
Question
Answer

6. Additional Text
On the top left of the page there is a box which says ‘news’. This is placed to allow the reader
to know that this article is about ‘news’ and its in the ‘news’ section of the magazine. Just
underneath it, media convergence is present as a website link to the brand website is
provided. This is used to increase usability. Although this will be the same information, it
brings together the information on the magazine and the information on the internet. This is
an important aspect to modern day magazines, as magazine would most definitely not
survive on its own without the reinforcement of the website.
An important aspect to this page is the page number which is shown in both corners of the
magazine. This is important for the reader as it allows them to navigate through the magazine
and locate things easily.
Additionally, at the start of the main body of text a larger letter is used at the start of the
paragraph. This is used as it stands out which allows the reader to be drawn in.

7. The Image
On the left hand side of the DPS, the only image is present. This image is of the celebrity
that the interview is about, hence the use of him. A direct gaze is used on this image. The
use of the direct gaze can connote honesty as he is looking at the reader and making a link
with the reader. The use of this is good for this situation as the article is an interview, and
the readers would most definitely want honesty from him. This is why the direct gaze is
used. It also allows connection between the reader and him when they’re reading the
article.
The size of the image immediately allows the reader to associate the article with the
celebrity. If they know who he is, as soon as they look at this page they’ll know who is it and
who the article is about.
The mise-en-scene connotes the genre of this magazine. He has a lot of tattoos, this can
connote the rock/indie/alternative genre but also other genres. However, the ‘Kerrang!’
brand is famously known to be devoted to rock music. Additionally, he is wearing an ear
stretcher. This is a code for genre of rock and indie music, stereotypically. All of these things
can connote this genre of music.