This document outlines common generic conventions used in double page spreads for magazines, including using slang and a casual tone to connect with readers, large prominent images, a headline and stand first to introduce articles, pull quotes from interviews, consistent color schemes, contact and identification information at the bottom, drop caps and bylines to identify contributors, and multi-column body text with cliffhangers between columns. It concludes that features like pull quotes, images, columns, and end-stops will match the style and improve the quality of the magazine.

1. Double Page Spread
Generic Conventions
Heather Johnson

2. Language/Register
Slang can be used
Relaxes audience
Aimed towards target group very strongly
Colloquial
Very Informal
Direct mode of address
Mature tone

3. Large image
Direct mode of address is very common to create a
personal connection with the audience
Related to article
Usually covers one page of the spread
Text is usually fitted around it or on the other page
(image usually on the left)
Image can sometimes bleed over both pages
1-2 smaller images in a different location to make the
article interesting

4. Stand First/Intro
Leads in to the article With a brief summary of
what the article contains
Describes who the artist is
Found underneath the heading
Does not align with colums

5. Headline
To the point and short
Often a pun
Tells who the article is about
Doesn’t give away much, just enough to intrigue

6. Pull Quote
Taken from the interview
Very interesting and either controversial or
dramatic
Can be used to break up text in columns
Can be presented as a headline or by pictures

7. Colour scheme
Matches rest of magazine which is usually very
simple so it doesn’t overwhelm the magazine
Background is usually a neutral colour
Colour scheme compliments the genre of the
article
Name of the celebrity of pull quote is highlighted
using colours form the scheme

8. Essential Information
(bottom banner)
Web address
Social media links
Bottom banner also includes page number
Masthead of magazine usually appears here

9. Drop Cap
Used at the start of an article
Brings the reader’s eye easily to the starting
point
Bold and obvious
Can be one letter or a word long
Can be a different colour to the rest of the text

10. By-lines
Can be sideways
Small font size
Gives credit to photographer and writer of the
article

11. Main Body of text
Size 11 font
Layout links two pages together
First column is most important
Each column has a mini cliff hanger to hold the
readers attention
Text is usually organized and tidy
Usually around 2-4 columns but this can vary
Basic font

12. End-Stop
Can end the article with a link to somewhere
more information can be found
Sometimes if it is regional it can have a signature
or initials of the writer because it is more
personal
Usually extra/elaborate full stop

13. What features I will include
Pull quote
Masthead
End-stop
By-line
Bottom banner of essential information
Images
Column of text
Drop cap
All of these conventions (in my opinion) match the style that I am going for and will
improve the over all quality of my magazine and are definitely essential.