Codes and Conventions of a Magazine Double Page Spread

The image used is usually direct address, which then entices the reader to buy the magazine because the celebrity in the magazine is looking directly at the audience so it encourages them to buy the magazine.

A quote from the interview is normally presented as the headline or by the picture and even used in the text, to break it up. The quotes used are usually rather controversial or shocking to grip the reader and keep them interested.

Another code and convention that music magazines follow is the celebrities name in bold somewhere on the double page spread. This is to make them stand out more as celebrities and catch the eye of their fans. For example they could put ‘’Justin Bieber’’ in big bold writing and this would catch the eye of his fan base  

Also you include a stand first, which is like an introduction to the celebrity that is included. Some readers may not know who the celebrity is just from the image that has been used, therefore introducing them would save some readers not knowing who they were reading about.

All text on a double page spread has to be size 11 pt. and is usually aerial font, however some magazines make the font connote the genre. All double page spreads have a drop cap which shows the reader when to start reading. The text is set into columns, usually 2-4 columns. This is to make the text appear tidy and not all over the page. The page number, magazine name and text throughout usually use the same font.

The main image on the double page spread is usually on the left however some magazines go against the codes and conventions and will put it on the right side. The picture on the double page spread always relates to the article and the artist

The double page spread also includes by-lines, which are put under the images to give credit to whomever the photographer and writer is.

The headline that is used for the double page spread is normally very short, so it makes the reader intrigued. The article is written in informal mode of address therefore it relaxes the reader.

The colour scheme on a double page spreads follow the same colour scheme that is ran throughout the magazine, which is usually simple so it doesn’t overpower the article. The name of the celebrity is highlighted by the colour scheme. The colour schemes used connote which genre the magazine is, e.g. black is used a lot in rock magazines or pins and yellows for a pop magazine.