This document analyzes the layout, design elements, and language used across five different double-page spreads from music magazines. Some key findings include: 1) Call outs are often used to set the topic for interviews and anchor images to text. 2) Color schemes typically reflect the style of the artist being featured. 3) Placement of images, use of fonts, and framing techniques aim to portray the band or artist in a particular way and draw readers in. 4) Columns, varied text sizes, and balanced use of images and text aid readability. The analysis provides insights into crafting effective double-page spreads through techniques like anchoring, using colors that fit the subject,

1. DOUBLE PAGE
SPREADS
ANALYSIS
LUCY ELDRIDGE

2. DPS 1

3. DPS 1
Layout and page design - The journalist has organised this article in a very formal way, reaching out to
a more older generation of readers, but it also resembles the band in a way because they are serious
and have been on the music scene for a long time so they would expect something of a high standard,
which the journalist has given them. The article story is split into a written out article with the
journalists expressions put across and the interpreting the interview into their own words, and then a
direct interview with questions and answers; which are direct from the person that the journalist
interviewed, this makes it a more interesting layout and shows more of what the band member is like
as a person in themselves and their own opinions put across.
Integration of illustration and text- In the photo they look very serious and somewhat upset. This
anchors the call out and relates to it ‘Michael said if we make another bad record it’s over’, as
obviously they would be quite upset after hearing that. The reader somewhat sympathizes for the
band, which makes them want to read the article, to find out what has happened.

4. DPS 1
Variety of fonts and text sizes- There are drop capitals used in gold to make the page look
more interesting and bring a bit more colour to it. The page has a white, gold and black
theme to it, which is quite formal which follows the theme of the article
Framing of shots- The image that is shown, in this first paragraph, is unsure, there not sure of
the decisions they make sometimes and just have to take the risks of it and that’s what
makes them a good band even if they get it wrong sometimes. The central image is a long
shot that has obviously been taken in a studio. It looks very posed and it is at somewhat of a
low angle shot, which makes the reader feel inferior to them. However the other photo looks
very ‘real’, it looks like a casual snap taken by a friend even. This makes the reader able to
relate to them and feel friendlier towards them.

5. DPS 1
Mode of address (use of language)- There is a call out used which is situated on the right page
layering over the picture. The quote states that if the band goes downhill again by making another
‘bad record’ that the band will no longer exist maybe as he wouldn’t go through the experience
again and wouldn’t be able to pick up again. This quote is from one of the band members and has
been quoted from the lead singer of the group. This quote relates to the whole article by it stating
that the bands reputation is at stake and their reputation of being a good band means a whole
great deal to them. The stand first introduces the reader to the band relating back to the photo
shoot they did with Q. This grabs the reader straight away. There is no big introduction, assuming
that the band is well known and going back to their well known big reputation.
Use of mise en scene in illustrations- In the central image one of the men is wearing dark black
sunglasses. This makes the reader feel very distanced from him and doesn’t follow typical
conventions as we can’t see his eyes. It also makes him appear to be quite cold. They’re all dressed
in black quite smart outfits which suggests the article is quite formal.

6. DPS 2

7. DPS 2
Mode of address (use of language)- The punk/emotional rock influence on the
magazine is instantly recognisable within the setup and pictures of the double
page spread, where the article is expressed as a “World Exclusive” (using buzz
words) making it seem unique and special, where it is only available to the readers
of ‘Kerrang’-it is also emphasised that the band has “invited” the magazine
specially to their recording studio, so that readers can get an insight into the life of
a famous band and the ‘celebrity lifestyle’-increasing fandom for the band.
Variety of fonts and text sizes- The font used for the title is very clear, using a
‘worn out’ effect, again relating to the punk style of the band. The title has then
been set at an angle. ‘’Best MCR’ has been highlighted by using a larger font than
the rest of the title, in white rather than red. This gives a subtle hint of informality
to the DPS, giving it a more entertaining feel.

8. DPS 2
Integration of illustration and text- The dark gothic photos are complimented by the bright red
colour of some of the text on the DPS, which also relates to the bands style, with
connotations of anger, blood and violence. The photos also relate the call out ‘We’re being
the best MCR we can be!’ as it sees them performing and working in the studio. This suggests
that they’re working really hard on their music, to make it as top quality as they can,
following their words that they’re trying to be the best they can be.
Framing of shots- Each of these pictures has been manipulated to create a black and white effect,
which matches the dark (almost gothic emotional rock style of the band and it’s music. The
main picture is a low angle shot of the male, lead singer, giving him dominance and making
the reader feel inferior(reflected throughout other articles in the magazine).
Layout and page design- The article is in two columns and is very small compared to the rest of
the text. On the far right it has another article related to the band which is their new tracks
so it’s more information on the band. The title of the page looks old and worn which fits in
with the ‘being the best’ they can be as this is showing being the same old them, which
although old, it’s what they are. However you could see the title as being scratched, which
appeals to the violence of rock.

9. DPS 3

10. DPS 3
Mode of address (use of language)There is use of a call out, which is positioned between the photos
on the right page, which states they’re not interested whether people like them, because they still
get the enjoyment. This quote anchors the whole article because it is about how the band has
made their journey and the realisation of this. The stand first gets into the story straight away. The
band is introduced by the literal statement saying the image the put across is ‘extraordinary’ with
the music they produce and that they’re not like every other band. The story is organised by setting
it out into different sections of an article, each being introduced with a letter in a bigger font to
section it out. The journalist introduces the band, in a friendly manner. The language that the
journalist uses is informal; this means it is aimed at a younger generation. The journalist says quite
a bit about the band, telling the reader their origin and going back to their childhood, which gives a
real personal emphasis to it. Also mentions what they are doing presently and in the future. It gives
and insight look of what the band is personally like.
Layout and page design- The layout of this DPS, is more picture laid, because there are several
pictures laid out across the page. The text is set out in three columns, one is on the left hand side of
the page and two more columns on the right hand side next to one another, continuing on the
article. Their target readership would be a younger generation because there is a lot of visual
context and the text is informal, so it would keep the reader interested and grab their attention
right away.

11. DPS 3
Variety of fonts and text sizes- Used a drop capital at the start of the article, this gives the
page a nice finishing look and makes it look professional. The headline to this DPS is on a
separate DPS introducing this article. The headline is ‘love in a cold climate’ . This is set laid
out in an interesting visual way as ‘love’ is written in capitals and big scaled typeface, the rest
of the head line is written in the ‘O’ of the headline in small typeface. This is a metaphorical
expression. It is in a Ariel typeface which is white, but the word ‘love’ has been faded slightly,
to make the rest of the headline standout.
Framing of shots- The photographs that have been used are various some are long shots,
some medium and some of them are close up. These make it interesting to look at and there
are a range of group photos and individual, which shows they’re not just a group, they’re
individuals too. There are two group photos, one has the lead singer in front with the other
band members in the foreground and the other photo is the opposite. This symbolises the
equality of each member, that there is actually no precise leader. The group looks like they’re
having fun and are natural. The bands image is put across as indie/rock, which follows the
general theme of the magazine.

12. DPS 4

13. DPS 4
Layout and page design -The colour scheme on the double page spread coincide
with what the band are wearing (mainly the lead singer of All American Rejects).
By using colours that don’t merge into one another (e.g red and yellow) the reader
finds it easier to read and don’t have to overexert themselves. The large image
used portraits the band as being quite quirky and rocky. Being in colour it shows
the bright colours of the front mans clothes. These colours (red and purple) have
been used for the font colours of the headline and for the text. The other images
in black and white give a cool edgy look of the band. I think the images portrait the
band well and gives a good image of their rock music style and attitudes.
Variety of fonts and text sizes- The colours used are red and pink. These colours
are typically seen as clashing, which I think symbolises the punk, individual,
‘breaking the rules’ type side to the band. ‘Dirty little’ is also written in a font that
looks like handwriting. This gives the feel its personal, as they’re spilling their
secrets. I think it’s also made to anchor the text and feel as if it’s in a diary (where
secrets typically would be).

14. DPS 4
Integration of illustration and text- This double page spread balances text and imagery equally.
This makes it easier for the reader as it is not text-led.The text has been laid out in neat columns.
This again, makes it easy for the reader. Most of this text is on the first page, with only one column
on the second page. There are 3 columns of text .The background being black makes the text and
images stand out against it. The headline used for this double page spread is large and takes up a
large amount of the first page. The headline is a name of one of the bands songs. The distressed
style of the word ‘secrets’ goes with the house style of the magazine. They have used a different
font style and colour for the words ‘dirty little’ this emphasises the word ‘secret’.
Use of mise en scene in illustrations- From the mise en scene in the central image it is very
easy to tell who the leading member in the band is. He is positioned in the middle in front of
them and has his arms across them, which suggests he is pushing them back and taking the
lead. He is also dressed in bright, vibrant clothes whilst the others are dressed in quite plain
clothes. From his clothes we also get the connotation he is quite punk and ‘indie’- wearing
the stereotypical ‘indie’ blazer and converses. However the lighting is all focused on their
faces equally which suggests some equality.

15. DPS 4
Mode of address (use of language)- The call out is used once more with the title of the band’s
newest single ‘The All-American Rejects might look and sound like a band your mum would
approve of, but don’t be fooled, Tyson and his crew dish the dirt…’ written in capitals and two
different colours (purple and red), drags the reader’s attention toward the article, after looking at
the first image. It builds the excitement of what they intend to read. It also gives the sense that the
article won’t be formal with the use of ‘crew’ and ‘dish the dirt’ suggesting that the journalist
intends to get down to the “Dirty little secrets”. ‘Dirty little secrets’ is also a colloquialism which
again appeals to the reader and also appeals the the ‘social interaction’ side of the Uses and
Gratification theory- wanting to find out ‘gossip’ to use as a conversation point.
Framing of shots –There is a colour image surrounded by black and white images. The shot is
high angle and feels as if we’re being intrusive- which again anchors to the whole theme of
the article being about secrets and us slightly invading their privacy.

16. DPS 5

17. DPS 5
Layout and page design: NME Magazine For this DPS of NME, it is more text-led although
there is a full side featured portrait on the left hand side. The columns of text are split into
four on the same page, this makes it easier for the reader to read through without any big
gaps or anything to disturb them from the article.
Integration of illustration and text- The ‘smile’ of the headline matches Hayley Williams
smile, and the pink matches the colour on her lips.
Variety of fonts and text sizes-The style of the font is Ariel and is large, ‘smile’ has been
made even more bigger to exaggerate the word more. Also the ‘IL’ are in pink which almost
look like lips which contrast to the lead singer lips who are almost the same shade of pink.
This makes it a constant house style from the font cover to the DPS, I think the extension on
the ‘I and L’ also look like bar charts getting higher, which anchors and relates to the header
itself ‘4 million album sales’ – so it’s made to represent the sales are getting higher and
higher.

18. DPS 5
Mode of address (use of language) The language in the headline is a fact because it has a
number and a reason for that number that they sold ‘4 million albums’ because of the
female.. The magazine is introduced by using quotes from someone else to explain what this
band is all about and were the like of them has come from and how they have come to be.
The bands image from this is that they are a growing new to the music scene band and have
already been successful as the headline states. They also use humour to appeal to the
younger generation- ‘they always, always eat their greens’.
Framing of shots- There is only one photo that has been used on the right side, this
compliments with the headline of the article. Also it is similar to what was on the front of the
magazine with out the other band members. This also shows the importance of the female to
the band that she is vital to the band. This is a close up shot of her face which shows more
detail to the beauty of her. She resembles the band by being attractive, like they now that
young guys will full for her. Also she looks like she’s in control and is looking straight at you.
Use of mise en scene in illustrations- The images used looks very clean cut and sterile, which
typically doesn’t follow the conventions of rock.

19. Evaluation
I have discovered that usually the cover photos are typically to the side of the article,
either left or right of it.
There are also typically call outs from the celebrity which set the topic for the whole
interview eg ‘The 4 million album sales smile’ and the basis for this interview will be set
on this. Another thing I’ve found is that anchorage is very important with double page
spreads. For example if there is a sad call out this is usually backed up by a sad image.
This is a technique I might consider- drawing the readers interest on sympathy votes.
The images are also more personal than the ones found on the front cover/contents page
which suggests that when we are on the DPS – reading them being interview- we are
even more personal too them.
The colour scheme also usually reflects on the artist, eg I found for My Chemical
Romance they had the colour scheme of red and black, which connoted anger and
violence. This is useful to know when designing my DPS as I will have to pick a colour
scheme that reflects on the personality of the persona I am getting across in the
interview.
Overall I have learnt a lot from this, such as the importance of colour schemes and
placement of image, to connect to the personalities of the person being interviewed.