2. Just like the front
cover and contents
page overviews, I have
used double page
spreads from ‘Top of
the Pops’ and ‘We
Love Pop’. They all
have many common
features that I will be
investigating. I have
chosen these double
page spreads as I
found them most
attractive and
appealing. I hope to
achieve more
knowledge and
understanding in the
similarities between
each double page
spread.
3. One of the features that are frequent in each of the double page spreads shown on the previous slide
is the use of bright and innocent colours that are used. In each one, the colour white is used which
makes us think of purity, innocence and calmness. For instance, half of the double page spreads are
on a plain white background. This is done as it is more professional and appealing. This links to the
personality of pop as a whole and the personality of pop fans. Furthermore, it also makes the double
page spread stand out and catch the readers eye. There are many bright colours used like yellow, red,
pink etc and this is another way individuals are able to recognise these double page spreads are from
a pop magazine.
Each of the artists facial expressions shown in the double page spreads are humorous, positive and
happy. This is a common feature as the reader is aware they are bubbly, having fun and enjoying life to
the full. This is attracting the target audience as they have a similar personality, making them have a
bond with the artist/band. As the magazine itself has escapism, this links to them feeling happy and
having a positive self-esteem due to the facial expressions and self-concept of the image on the
double page spread. This is a common representation in the genre pop, which makes people aware
these artists are a part of pop.
One of the conventions of a double page spread, is having a direct address main image. On each of
the double page spreads presented, they all have a dominant image, making it the first thing the
reader notices and catches their eye. This is to attract and fascinate the reader, and convince them to
read the article. The images include popular, favourite artists/bands; is appealing to the reader. This is
also done to show their beauty, style and make the reader aware of who the article is about.
Another common feature that is represented on the majority of the double page spreads are the use
of small images. The small images break up the amount of text on the article. It makes the article
more fun, enjoyable and less boring.
4. They all also have a bold and bright title which is also dominant and capturing the readers eye.
Magazines do this to grab the audiences eye and lure them in. It is making the reader stop at that
specific page, and take a glance to debate whether they are interested in reading it or not. The images
also stand out, and persuades the target audience to want to read. For example, the reader is more
likely to be put off with no images and lots of text. The text size of the article is in a readable and
appropriate size which isn’t putting the reader off the magazine. They also use a fancy and fun font
which is reminding the reader that pop is all about fun and having a good time. Furthermore, it is a
double page spread convention that the text is presented in columns or boxes to make it easier for the
reader and for the page to be more appealing. In each of the pop double page spreads shown, the
text is presented in boxes or columns which is attracting the target audience to carry on reading.
Each of their body language are presented in a fun, bubbly way. This is also another way to bring out
their personality, and to create a relationship with the reader. The girls body language is shown in a
feminine and classy way. For instance, Cheryl Cole has both of her hands on her hip which brings out
at sophisticated and feminine look.
On the majority of the double page spreads, the text is in columns or boxes, making the information
sectioned to makes it easier for the reader and so they do not get bored. The reader will not be put
off the magazine or article as the page is presents in an effective way. Though, if the writing was not in
columns or boxes then the reader would be likely to flick through the page and ignore it.
A symbiotic link is noticeable from the front cover, contents page and double page spread. For
instance, the same font is used to show there is a consist font in the magazine. Another convention of
a double page spread is having a quote from the interview, presented as the headline. This is used on
half of the double page spreads shown in the first slide. The quotes are controversial and giving the
reader an inside of what the interview is about, persuading them to read the article.