The document discusses the layout and design considerations for a double page spread (DPS) in a magazine. It notes that the DPS is usually the main feature article and will be advertised on the front cover. The layout is crucial to make the feature impressive and engage the reader. Key areas that draw reader attention are the top, outside edges, and areas away from the gutter. The headline and main image are the most important elements and need to work together to entice readers. Pull quotes, captions, and columns of text further break up the information on the pages.

2. 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.

3. The 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.

4. 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.

5. BAD LAYOUT
OK LAYOUT
GOOD LAYOUT

6. The 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).

7. 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.

8. A 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.

9. The 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.

10. 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.

11. Image 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.

12. The 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.

13. 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.