1. DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS: USHER
This double page spread follows general and layout conventions by using the
main image of the artist on one side and the test on the other allowing the reader
to see the image separately from the text. It also shows the same image on the
front cover and contents page allowing continuity to be formed.
The image is of a low angle shot allowing the artist status and power and all
eyes are on him. Usher wears a G-star denim shirt and a Rolex watch, reflecting
celebrity lifestyle and the fact that he’s rich and famous. His watch is gold and
gold reflect power and luxury. He also smokes a cigar which shows
rebelliousness and power and relates to masculinity. This reflects the fact that
he is in charge. This gives the representation of men dominating the world and
being in charge.
His sleeves are rolled up suggesting that he’s ready for action. This also
suggests rebelliousness and masculinity.
He looks kind of like a gangster, smoking a cigar, which relates to the
magazine’s genre of rap as male rap artists normally follow this activity.
Smoking is seen as a cool thing and boosts your confidence, so this shows that
Usher is a confident person and relates to his personality.
He dominates the whole one side of the page which shows that it’s all about him
which grabs the reader’s attention and gets them more involved in the
magazine.
He looks as though he is sitting down in a room which suggests that he is in a
relaxed position. His eyes are focused elsewhere telling the reader to read on for
more. He tilts his head slightly showing us part of his face. Part of his face is
shadowed out. Top lighting is also used to reflect the main artist and the fact
that he plays an important role in the magazine. The mode of address anchors
the meaning of the image by relating to the artist and relating to the image
shown.
The test is subdivided into small paragraphs, allowing the reader to see the text
clearly, creating a neat layout. There is a quote of an interviewing written
alongside the picture allowing the reader to want to read on. This also grabs the
reader’s attention and alerts them as to what is included in this magazine. Each

2. paragraph is displayed as a question, written in bold. The fact that it is written in
bold allows the reader to identify that this part of the text is important and
makes a clear layout for the magazine.
The texts are displayed in a column format, allowing the reader to read across
the page, where the human eye naturally reads. There is no title on the page
leading the reader to question what the magazine contains. The double page
spread consists of an interview with Usher and fits the image displayed. The
text is written in a nice, neat box format, creating a neat, readable layout and
suggests that this is a formal magazine.
The magazine also relates to an older audience as the image shown relates to
adulthood.
The layout of the double page spread different in each issue of the magazine,
which although doesn’t maintain brand identity, it does allow differentiation.
The main colours which dominate the page are grey, white and black which are
formal colours and go well together to create a perfect layout. The headings on
the fonts are written in lowercase; also the rest of the text is in lower case which
allows the reader to read the text clearly. This is an example of formal text. This
gives the readership feel a personal connection with the artist. Not only are they
able to see the image but they are also able to feel a connection with Usher
himself as there is a full page about him. This also gives the reader the sense
that they also feature in the magazine as the magazine is aimed at them.
The colours reflect the formal style of the magazine: black, grey and white and
reflect a traditional approach.