This document outlines common conventions used in double page magazine spreads. These include using a short, intriguing headline; pull quotes from interviews or articles; large dominant images related to the topic; a stand first paragraph to introduce the topic; informal, audience-appropriate language; and multiple columns of text with mini cliffhangers between them. Other conventions are drop caps, bylines, endstops, and an essential information banner at the bottom of the page. The document notes which of these conventions will be included and how some may be challenged in a regional magazine seeking a modern, personalized style.

1. DOUBLE PAGE
SPREAD GENERIC
CONVENTIONS
M E G A N S H E R ATO N

2. MASTHEAD/HEADLINE
• Always short and straight to the point.
• Doesn’t give too much information away but
enough to intrigue.
• Tells the reader what/who the article is about.
• Witty puns are often used

3. PULL QUOTE
• Quote is taken from the main article or interview.
• Sometimes presented as the headline or beside the picture.
• Can be used within the columns to break up the text.
• Quotes used are usually controversial, funny, dramatic or shocking in order to grip the
reader and get their attention.

4. LARGE IMAGE
• Direct address used to entice the audience.
• Related to the issue.
• Leads one half of the page – usually positioned on the left hand
side with the text on the right however some magazines go
against stereotypical conventions.
• Sometimes the image bleeds over the whole page.
• The pictures always relate to the story, event or individual that is
featured in the article.
• Image should dominate the page.
• 1 large image with other smaller ones usually different
location/settings to studio cover shot to make the article more
interesting and diverse.

5. STAND FIRST/INTRODUCTION
• Leads into the article with a brief intriguing summary of what to expect and what’s to
come.
• Often describes who the artist is or what the event is focused on before going into
further detail below.
• Doesn’t align with the columns but more so below the headline/masthead.
• Always positioned underneath the heading.

6. LANGUAGE
• Very informal.
• Colloquial.
• Aimed towards the age of the audience.
• Mature and witty tone.
• Directed at the audience (mode of address).
• Relaxes the audience.
• Slang words and taboo language.

7. COLOUR SCHEME
• Follows the same theme that is ran throughout the entire magazine which is usually
very simple so that it doesn’t overpower the article.
• Name the celebrity of pull quote is highlighted by the colour scheme.
• Colour scheme connotates the genre of the article.
• Background is a very neutral colour either black or white so that the conventions can
contrast and stand out.

8. MAIN BODY OF TEXT
• Size 11/12 point font.
• Usually aerial font or an equivalent basic font.
• Font can connote the genre of the topic of the article.
• Set into columns. Usually about 2-4 however can vary.
• Text looks in a neat and tidy format.
• The page number, magazine name and text usually use the same font throughout the
magazine.
• First column is most important.
• Each column has a mini cliff hanger to persuade audience to keep reading.
• Layout links the two pages together to create a linked DPS.

9. DROP CAP
• Used at the start of an article.
• Directs the readers starting point.
• Is capitalised and bold.
• Often present in a different colour to the main body of text.
• Can be either one letter or one word long.

10. BY-LINES
• Put under images to give credit to the photographer and writer of the article.
• Very small text.
• Can be positioned sideways.

11. END-STOP
• End of the article stops with maybe a link to a website or somewhere where more
information can be found.
• Regional magazines have a signature or the name of the writer at the end to give
credit. This can be in the form of initials, their full name or a signature.
• Fancy or elaborate full stop.

12. ESSENTIAL INFORMATION (BOTTOM
BANNER)
• The masthead of the magazine usually appears on every page in the bottom banner.
• Bottom banner also includes the page number.
• Can include social media links.
• Web address.

13. WHAT FEATURES I WILL INCLUDE
• Pull quote
• Masthead
• End stop
• By-line
• Drop cap
• Bottom banner of essential information
• Images
• Column text
I feel all these conventions are essential to make a good magazine therefore I will definitely
try to include them all.

14. WHAT I WILL CHALLENGE
• As my magazine is regional, my conventions will be a lot more personal for instance
my language will be very colloquial, informal and direct.
• I will put more emphasise on making the article personal my concluding with a
signature for instance.
• As my style is contemporary, unique and modern, I will be subverting some generic
layout conventions so that my magazine looks creative and innovative as I feel this will
reflect the genre, the region and my potential target audience much better.