Double Page Spread Analysis

NME
Layout –
The NME takes quite a laid-back approach the their layouts as pieces are not positioned to be clinical but more over the place as this will go together with the target audience they are aiming for. Normally a picture would only take up one page but in this example it is shown to go over onto the other page, likewise with the quote at the top of the first page.
Colour –
The use of colour in this double page spread is quite limited as nearly all the wording is in black and white, the only parts of the pages that have colour are the big picture on the second page of Lily Allen, in a red ‘lumberjack’ type shirt with sleeves rolled up, this could suggest she is not a stereotypical woman yet the colour suggests love and romance.
Eye-Catcher –
As well as the picture of Lily Allen being an eye-catcher for the audience, the quote at the top of the page also will help as well, “People think I’m an attention seeker, but I’m just honest.” This will entice the reader and want to know what she has to say about certain subjects and with the NME having a big following the reader will trust the journalist interviewing her to ask the questions they want to see the answers for.


Kerrang!
Layout –
The layout of the Kerrang double page spread is more professional than the NME as the pictures look to be placed a lot more efficiently to save room on the other page, yet there are still words overlapping onto both pages but not as severely as the other magazine I have analysed. Again there is a picture that takes up a whole page.
Colour
The colours that are used in this double page spread are in-keeping with the house colours of the contents and front cover of Kerrang, black, white and red are used throughout the whole magazine. The photos used are all in black and white, this can give the magazine an authentic feel to it, this connotes the band in the photos have are legendary or have been around for a long time, in this case that would be true as My Chemical Romance (the band pictured) have been making music for around 10 years.
Eye-Catcher –
The main way Kerrang have chosen to entice people to read this article is by putting a tag at the top of the first page almost where you would expect a title to be, reading “World Exclusive”, next to that in the top left corner it says “News”. With this the magazine expects you to read the quote at the top of the right page, much like the NME as the use of celebrity in the pictures would also grab the reader’s attention making them want to have a copy of this issue.


Rocksound
Layout –
The layout on Rocksound’s double page spread is more like the NME magazine I analysed as the photo overlaps so it is onto both pages. The columns of writing look to be all positioned to create professionalism and to make it easy to read for the audience as there is quite a lot else going on the page which may confuse or put off a potential reader.
Colour –
As the band on this double page spread are called ‘Murderdolls’ the tone and use of colours is not going to be bright pink or yellow colours, the magazine is sensible in the colours they have chosen with dark, suicidal tones with black and dark red being the main colours, this can connote death and blood yet with the white writing it contrasts well to stand out of the page and make it worth reading.
Eye-Catcher –
The main eye- catcher for this Rocksound double page spread would be the photo of the two band members of ‘Murderdolls’ as obviously they have a very distinct look about them with long straightened hair with fringes, white faces and dark black make-up and mainly dressed in black as well. This band will have already caused a stir with the way they look therefore many people will be interested in what they have to say and their personalities so Rocksound will try and give the audience what they are looking for.


Vibe
Layout –
The way Vibe chooses to show there layout challenges more conventions than all of the other magazines I have analysed, this entails with the rest of the magazine with the sense of creativity the writers have. Especially with there being a column all the way on the right hand side away from the rest of the writing which is on the left hand page. Professionalism is still apparent as each piece that is written still looks to be positioned clinically, this would entice a potential reader as it is easier to read in this way.
Colour –
The magazine’s double page spread is very drained of colour in the same way the NME is shown with Lily Allen, this time with Solange Knowles in a piece of red clothing, but in a short dress which shows her femininity, the dress itself is very exuberate and this goes along with the tag line on the left page which says she is “outspoken” which shows she has a big personality herself. With the black and white of the rest of the double page spread it makes it easier for the audience to be able to read it.
Eye-Catcher –
At the top of the left page the first part acknowledges that her sister is very famous so this will entice fans of Beyonce to read on. The main eye-catcher would be the picture of Solange as I said above she is said to be ‘outspoken’ this means many people will want to see what she has to say, much like the other magazines I have analysed.

Q
Layout –
Q magazine has an older target audience than the NME or Kerrang, I believe this is shown in the way their layout is. Everything is neat and tidy whilst the bits they want you to see first are clearly shown and will stand out from the pages. The main tag-line is on the left hand page while a short synopsis is just underneath. Professionalism is apparent in this magazine clearly as the magazine has an arrow on the top of the right page indicating what the audience should read after the main tag-line.
Colour –
The colours in this double page spread example from Q magazine are all neutral or faded, with “The Black Eyed Peas” shown in the picture with yellows, whites and greys. They still will stand out to the reader as the clothes they are wearing are quite different from what normal people wear and could be considered over the top. The colours make everything easy to read as especially on the right hand page it is black writing with a white background which gives a perfect contrast of colour.
Eye-Catcher –
The main tag-line of this page will increase interest in people reading this section of the magazine with it saying “Will he won’t he?” The audience who are reading this will then immediately start questioning what is happening and therefore want to read on to find out the answer. The use of stars is used in the magazine are used well as they choose a very popular artist that cover a range of genres to interview so it satisfies the audience who they want to buy the magazine.