Codes and Conventions-Double Page Spreads.

Gemma Lovitt

Generally InformalGenerally informal- The formality of magazines are mainly formal this being because many of the music magazines use slang therefore meaning not containing many features of intertextual language. This can appeal to the audience as the demographics of magazines are always ABC1 therefore meaning that the target audience will be wanting to buy something that has a meaning and purpose to it however they do not want to find something that they find difficult to read or to understand as they can not understand the words used within the text given. Magazines use slang that fits in with the genre of the magazine ensuring that everything stated makes sense and has a meaning to it.

Set In ColumnsSet in columns- The layout of the double page spreads have a tendency to follow the same format being ordered and set out in columns or blocks. Most double page spreads follow this layout in order to be successful and effective. As it is in a block format it allows the reader to clearly read the text fully understanding the meaning and purpose that the article is trying to portray. The colours used always match the house style of the magazine to make sure that it all loo like everything is linked together. The typography of the text (things such as the font size) always sticks to a small font ranging from 10-12. This is because the size of the text on double page spreads are always small making sure that their is as little white space as possible. The layout appeals to the audience as they don’t loose interest or fell intimidated from seeing too much text scattered all over the page, therefore by having it in columns maintains the interest and engages the reader.

Large HeadingLarge heading-The large heading has been used to grab the readers attention straight away informing them on the title of the article and giving them a slight insight on what the article could be about or based on. The colour of the title has kept to a red and neutral beige as it links in with the house style of the magazine and the colours of the image. This means that the magazine is keeping a sophisticated and professional look as they aren’t using a mix of colours causing it to look tacky and complex. This may appeal to the audience as it may act as a cliff hanger as after they’ve noticed the large heading they may be intrigued to find out more.

Short Introductory ParagraphShort introductory paragraph- The short introductory paragraph is there to engage the reader to try and persuade the reader not to leave the page and to read on. Therefore the short introductory paragraph also acts like a cliff hanger as after they have read the short summarised text informing what is going to come up they immediately want to read on to find out exactly what the article is about. It will appeal to the audience as it may interest them more and it may be linked to a particular band or artist that they share a particular interest in.

Large Image Of ArtistLarge image of artist- The large image of the artist is there to inform the reader on who the article is based on. The image can symbolise the genre of the magazine as the reader should be able to tell the type of music from just looking at the image. Therefore the image has a large extent of importance on the page as it is one of the main aspects for informing the reader. Similarly the large image of the artist can appeal to the audience as it can attract and engage the reader ensuring that they do not loose interest from just seeing a load of text on a page. Furthermore the image can be linked to the uses and gratifications theory of personal identity as the reader may aspire to be the artist in this case Florence.

Colour SchemeColour scheme- Double page spreads have a tendency to follow the same colour scheme as the front cover to follow the house style to ensure it looks professional and looks realistic. The colour scheme can symbolise the mood of the magazine as when dark colours are used it tends to be based on more of a rock, grunge etc genre of music whereas brighter colours are known more to be associated with the pop or r’n’b style of music etc. This can appeal to the audience as they can base the colour scheme on what they are attracted to and similarly the colour scheme will attract the audience as it will ensure that the magazine doesn’t look tacky and cheap therefore leading the reader being satisfied meaning that they are more likely to purchase the product.

Pull Quotes Pull Quotes- Pull quotes are used on double page spreads to symbolise important views or opinions that the artist think are special or have a good meaning to them. The colours used in the pull quotes in the double page spread on the left are in two colours (white and gold) to stick to the whole house style of the magazine and to catch the readers eye in a simple basic format. The pull quote can appeal to the audience as it can be a certain sentence or phrase that they can really relate to or inspire to do to try and be as similar to the artist that they can be.

Page Numbers- Page numbers have been used as they are a key aspect when producing a magazine and are included on every single page throughout the magazine for the audiences information to ensure that they are clear when knowing what page they are on and where to find particular sections. However even though they are included magazines never say the word ‘page’ for example ‘page number2’. Therefore it keeps the format of simplicity as it only states the number and nothing else. Page numbers symbolises what information is on the certain page. Page numbers are simply used for quick and effective navigation allowing the audience not to have any difficulties. And to know what page the article or double page is on. Furthermore the colours of page numbers always change depending on the genre and the house style the magazine is sticking to. This appeals to the audience as it gives them clear navigation meaning that they won’t loose interest from simply not knowing exactly where abouts they are.

Page Numbers

Large Letter At The Beginning Of The Article.

Large letter at the beginning of the article- The large letter at the start of the article has been presented how it has to grab the audiences attention and to direct them clearly on where exactly to the start of the article is. Therefore by doing this makes sure that the reader has no difficulties when it comes to finding the beginning of the text. This appeals to the audience as they feel directed and shown to the start as if the brand have tried to make it as easy for them as possible.

More Than One Type Of PhotographMore than one photograph- By using more than one photograph engages the reader in more depth. They are used to portray the main artist in all different aspects and the audiences interpretations of the artist/band can change from seeing different shots of their facial expressions, body language etc. By having the other photographs in colour allow the reader to get a wider picture of how the artist looks by noting specific features such as hair and eye colour etc. This can appeal to the audience as they feel like they are being given more and are able to see more than the rest of society who haven’t purchased the magazine.