This document analyzes common codes and conventions used in double page spreads across different magazines. It discusses techniques like separating images from text with clear divides, using color schemes and pull quotes to link different elements together, including publication details in the footer, and employing drop caps and multiple fonts to enhance readability. Across publications like Billboard, Clash, and NME, it examines trends like placing half the page for images and half for text, keeping layouts neat or informal based on the intended tone, and featuring large prominent images of artists to draw attention.

1. CODES AND CONVENTIONS
DOUBLE PAGE SPREADS

2. Clear divide between the photo and text on the
page, although fact that the artists name is
mentioned multiple times, the reader can easily
associate the two pages with each other.
Blue and purple colour
scheme, used multiple
times on the page which
links it all together.
Medium long shot of artist –
standing at a flattering angle.
Makes eye contact with the
camera which is a common
convention used with a lot of
magazines I’ve analysed.
Direct mode of address = sense
of personal contacts = uses &
grats.
Drop cap – used a lot in the double
page spreads that I’ve looked at.
Interesting bits of the
interview have been
picked out and made
bigger to attract the
reader and make them
want to read more.
Page number, magazine
name and the date it was
published.
If someone was to randomly
see the page, they’d know
basic info about the magazine
and issue.
Artist quote which links with
image and outfit.
Red hair and red dress –
links the image together.
Lets the reader know who styled the artist, who
did her hair and makeup, and who shot the
images.

4. Common codes and conventions for Billboard
• Drop caps used in many double page spreads to mark the beginning of a paragraph – has a decorative
element to it and enhances the text.
• Images are usually separated from the text, and sometimes half of the page is just text and the other half is
just the image - contrasts to some other magazines that I’ve looked at where the text is placed on the image.
• Basic colour scheme – normally mainly black and white, with an added colour which is chosen depending on
the artist and image.
• Pull quotes are used to attract the reader and convince them to read the whole interview.
• Page number, magazine name and the date it was issued is always placed in the bottom left corner.

5. Clear divide between image and article.
Audience can link the image to King Krule
because of the front cover and contents page.
Image dominates
the double page,
and is what the
audience would
look at at first
glance.
A lot of shadowing is used in the
image which is typically
unconventional as the artist’s face is
usually a lot more clear and
recognisable although this could
illustrate the type of artist / person
that King Krule is.
Similar shade of green is used on both the shirt
and to highlight the words on the page. This links
the image and text together.
Multiple fonts are used – 3
fonts in just 1 sentence.
Drop cap – very common
convention in magazines that
I’ve looked at.
Artist’s name is written in
the boldest, most eye-
catching font / size.
Plain background, so that it
doesn’t take the attention away
from the subject of the photo.
Background colour matches artist’s
hair colour – may or may not be
intentional.
Neat layout of interview
contrasts with the text at
the top of the page where
the writing is more free and
creative.
Decorative element, not necessary but
makes the page look more creative.
Skin showing – object
to female gaze, a
distaff counterpart to
male gaze (Mulvey)
Direct mode of
address –
personal
relationship =
stats & grats

6. Common codes and conventions for Clash
• Main image is usually separated from the text – it’s usually on the first half of the page and then the text is
on the second half, but the use of colours and tones on both parts of the page link them both together.
• Drop caps are used at the beginning of the text on all of the Clash double page spreads that I’ve looked at –
enhances the text.
• 3 fonts are used when the artist’s name is introduced – in the double page spreads that I’ve found, it’s the
same fonts, but the words are changed according to the artist being featured.
• Simple black and white colour scheme on the text half of the page – makes the text very easy to read
without the reader getting distracted.
• Neat layout of text on the page – in columns.

7. Artist directly facing the camera,
creates direct address which can
attract the reader because they can
feel more involved. Uses & grats
Simple background, keeps the attention on the artist and
the text. Pink is also known as Nicki Minaj’s favourite
colour, which is most probably the inspiration behind the
background. Her fans will recognise it and appeal to it.
Pink lipstick, same colour as background
and ‘Nicki Minaj’ – links page together.
Mise en scene = Artist’s outfit Is
very eye-catching, which
contrasts to the background.
Animal print, can suggest she’s
wild or has an animalistic
personality. (connotation)
Features a pull quote, which is
significantly bigger than the rest
of the interview that’s printed on
the page.
Editors probably chose the
most intriguing quote to
feature as the pull quote, done
to attract the reader and make
them want to read more.
Artist photo partially covers her
name, signifies that she is so popular
and well known that the audience are
able to identify her without her full
name being shown.
Text is placed to fit around the image,
which indicates that she’s the main focal
point.
Artist wearing statement
jewellery, which reflects her
daring, outgoing personality.
Pink, black and white colour
scheme, the colours contrast
heavily with each other, which
connotes that she is quite a
controversial artist.
Black and white contrasts heavily
with eachother, and allow the
text to stand out easily.
The design balance of this double page spread is
informal - in order to give it an exciting, fun
look. Even though the text is structured
effectively, there is no balance in it and the
image is positioned to the right hand side.
Quite informal language
suggests teen audience –
personal intergrated needs
being relatable = uses & grats

9. Common codes and conventions for NME
• NME double page spreads are less consistent than other magazines that I’ve looked at – for example all the
clash double page spreads are split in half with an image on one half and text on the other, however with
NME they’re a lot more creative and random.
• A lot of layering is done with text placed over images a lot of the time.
• Image on the pages are generally quite large and eye-catching.
• Drop caps are used at the beginning of each part of text, which is a common convention within all of the
double page spreads that I’ve looked at.
• In the Nicki Minaj double page spread, text is placed to fit around the image, which emphasises the
importance of the artist compared to the text on the page.
• A lot of pull quotes are used to attract the reader, and are placed in unique places on the page.
• Columns are less formal than other magazines, which reflects the unique aspect of the magazine.