double page spread analysis

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On the left hand side of the page, ‘Q’ magazine have dedicated one whole page just on a picture of Lady Gaga, not only conveying a medium close up shot of who the article is about, but also conveying significance, importance, and power. Moreover, Lady Gaga is giving direct mode of address (eye contact) to the readers in order to make them feel more drawn in and in touch with her. It could also portray ideas that she is inviting the reader in to the scene with her. Her facial expression seems to be reasonably intimidating seeing as her eyes are smoky and is wearing some kind of chains around her neck, having connotations of danger. This ‘bad girl’ image could suggest she is mischievous, which could leave the readers wanting to read about her ‘story’, and what she has done to portray herself in this type of way. Due to the image being edited in a black and white, monochrome effect, this makes the picture look more sophisticated and classy but giving a certain edge of a retro-esque, old fashioned style to it. Adding to the ‘bad girl’ edge to her style, we can tell that her The large ‘L’ covering the left hand side of the page, layering the background of the text further emphasizes the importance of lady Gaga, and also emphasizing how the article is dedicated to her. Furthermore, it is in a red font to emphasize the typical housing style of Q magazine which is typically seen on the logo and across all ‘Q’ magazines. However, you could argue that the red connotates love and passion typically showed in the main image next to it. The ‘L’ is obviously conveying ‘Lady gaga’ to give a sense of identification and importance to the article, it also makes it different to the other issues due to this being a re- occurring element of Q magazine of their double page spreads. The ‘L’ is in a sophisticated font, much like ‘lady’ at the top right hand corner of the screen giving the star a sense of maturity. Also, with it being small it shows that she is a well known and recognisable star so people will already identify her name. ‘GAGA’ is in capital letters to convey the crazy, unpredictable side of Lady gaga to the reader, giving her that sense of identification to her other personality. The body of the article, which is the text on right, is made purposely very small so it appears as Lady Gaga has a lot to say and that you should take interest in her. The layout of the article is formulated using the typical genre conventions by using columns to subconsciously make the audience feel as although they have read more in a quicker time span. Columns also make the article more enticing as it appears shorter and more achievable to read. A large width is given between columns to perhaps maybe make it appear less intimidating on the reader as if they where flicking through they may be put of the vast amount of information displayed if it was all cramped. By having all of the relevant text on one page, it will appeal more to a mature audience who will still be interested in the article without any side pictures or quotes to make them read. The kerning of the subject name (l a d y G a g a) on the top right corner also connotates simplicity but also gives it a more fashionable and preferred, unique look to the font. By separating the main image with the article it makes the

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Page 1: Double Page Spread Analysis

On the left hand side of the page, ‘Q’ magazine have dedicated one whole page just on a picture of Lady Gaga, not only conveying a medium close up shot of who the article is about, but also conveying significance, importance, and power. Moreover, Lady Gaga is giving direct mode of address (eye contact) to the readers in order to make them feel more drawn in and in touch with her. It could also portray ideas that she is inviting the reader in to the scene with her. Her facial expression seems to be reasonably intimidating seeing as her eyes are smoky and is wearing some kind of chains around her neck, having connotations of danger. This ‘bad girl’ image could suggest she is mischievous, which could leave the readers wanting to read about her ‘story’, and what she has done to portray herself in this type of way. Due to the image being edited in a black and white, monochrome effect, this makes the picture look more sophisticated and classy but giving a certain edge of a retro-esque, old fashioned style to it. Adding to the ‘bad girl’ edge to her style, we can tell that her hair is portrayed to be a blonde, matted mess conveying that she has been doing things she perhaps isn’t supposed to, however saying this, she still looks glamorous and pampered, giving her a positive image to the audience and also an image to look up to as a pop star, illustrating the effect of her looking good in anything so people may aspire to have the same effect, encouraging them to do the same. She also appears unpredictable complementing on her existing image.

The large ‘L’ covering the left hand side of the page, layering the background of the text further emphasizes the importance of lady Gaga, and also emphasizing how the article is dedicated to her. Furthermore, it is in a red font to emphasize the typical housing style of Q magazine which is typically seen on the logo and across all ‘Q’ magazines. However, you could argue that the red connotates love and passion typically showed in the main image next to it. The ‘L’ is obviously conveying ‘Lady gaga’ to give a sense of identification and importance to the article, it also makes it different to the other issues due to this being a re-occurring element of Q magazine of their double page spreads. The ‘L’ is in a sophisticated font, much like ‘lady’ at the top right hand corner of the screen giving the star a sense of maturity. Also, with it being small it shows that she is a well known and recognisable star so people will already identify her name. ‘GAGA’ is in capital letters to convey the crazy, unpredictable side of Lady gaga to the reader, giving her that sense of identification to her other personality.

The body of the article, which is the text on right, is made purposely very small so it appears as Lady Gaga has a lot to say and that you should take interest in her. The layout of the article is formulated using the typical genre conventions by using columns to subconsciously make the audience feel as although they have read more in a quicker time span. Columns also make the article more enticing as it appears shorter and more achievable to read. A large width is given between columns to perhaps maybe make it appear less intimidating on the reader as if they where flicking through they may be put of the vast amount of information displayed if it was all cramped. By having all of the relevant text on one page, it will appeal more to a mature audience who will still be interested in the article without any side pictures or quotes to make them read. The kerning of the subject name (l a d y G a g a) on the top right corner also connotates simplicity but also gives it a more fashionable and preferred, unique look to the font. By separating the main image with the article it makes the double page spread appear more simply; this gives an aesthetic look to the page as it is neat and clean, rather than the article perhaps being formed around her image.Also, the layout is very conventional and easy to read. The big, bold capital ‘S’ and ‘I’ helps to split up the text and is also a convention. Lots of information is given connoting that Q magazine cares about the artists. It would also attract fans of Lady Gaga to buy the magazine as lots of information about her career and private life is given. The layout is also structured connoting that the artists are taken very seriously by this magazine.

Page 2: Double Page Spread Analysis

The masthead of this double page spread stretches across both pages and fills up a large proportion of the page. It reads ‘girl uninterrupted’, which is short and simple and puts a twist on the famous saying, therefore making it memorable. The word ‘girl’ is in lower case letters and appears to be scripted, it is also the largest text on the page that conveys importance, furthermore, it may also emphasize that Adele is womanly and feminine, whereas the word ‘uninterrupted’ is in upper case and a sans serif font has been used. This creates an effective contrast. ‘uninterrupted’ may also convey that she is the only speaker, and people listen to her due to having power and authority, it being in red also has connotations of passion and love which contrasts against the black and white which results into it being eye catching, in capital letters to really emphasize it is her and only her which is important. Due to it also even being right in front of the main image conveys further importance, breaking typical double page spread conventions, wanting to really emphasize to the reader this point. Furthermore, Adele does not have her name large enough for the reader to view which make convey that the audience already know exactly who she is due to her being extremely well known and recognisable to the audience which conveys a prestigious effect complimenting on the focal main image.

The only image used is of Adele, who is the feature of the article. The image stretches across a large proportion of the pages and is one of the main focuses which may further convey importance and power over the magazine. She is wearing a black top which commonly signifies power and importance. Adele is commonly seen wearing black so this may show independence and individuality towards her. She is also holding a cigarette which could be considered as rebellion, not caring and finding her own little world where she can escape from everyday life, however this could also create a very sophisticated, glamorous, formal tone with a vintage feel to it, therefore appealing to an older demographic. She is not looking at the audience or giving eye contact which may convey shyness due to most double page spread stars looking straight into the audience giving direct address, this cancels out all the typical conventions of a magazine conveying her as different and unique, not needing to prove herself to anyone. It may also convey that she is perhaps too good for the magazine and that due to her knowing she is talented, she does not need to prove herself. Her hair is back not looking as glamorous which also conveys originality.

The font used for the article is simple and sophisticated, which matches the type of music Adele releases and would appeal to the older audiences that listen to her music which may also describe her as a person and the content in the article. Generally the article focuses on Adele’s huge achievements over the past year and some information is given about her next album, in order to please her fans as they will want to know what come next from her which will entice readers to carry on. The colour scheme of this double page spread is red, white and black, something that is kept consistent through ‘Q’ magazine. This gives the article a sophisticated, formal look and would probably attract the type of people that listen to Adele’s music. These three colours are effective as they contrast well with each other and with the grey, shadowy background used, meaning all text stand out clearly. Moreover, the house style of this article is very simple, unlike other articles I’ve looked at from magazines such as NME and Kerrang. The colours used are consistent to those used on other pages of the magazine, which makes it easily recognisable to the reader. Another feature of this double page spread is the two white lines which run parallel to each other on the top and bottom of the page. This small detail gives the article a formal, structured look.

Page 3: Double Page Spread Analysis

In the main image, Nicki Minaj is presented in animal print clothing which clearly suggests that she is a wild individual and has an animalistic personality , and is also very unique and confident. The main image also party covers the title of her name which signifies that she is so popular and well known that the audience are able to identify her without her whole name being shown. Adding to this, the text is placed to fit around the main image which indicates that she is of high status as she is the main focal point. The fact that she isn’t placed in the centre, but instead slightly to the right hand side of the spread, suggests that she is powerful enough in herself and doesn’t need to be placed in the centre to catch the audiences attention. Furthermore, this breaks the convention that the artists are usually placed in the central third which suggest she may break musical conventions and that she is a unique artist. Also, Nicki minaj is wearing daring, statement jewellery and bright makeup which reflects her daring, outgoing personality. Rather than posing or smiling in her main image, Nicki is pictures almost staring straight at the audience which could imply that she is an open and honest artists and may suggests that she reveals a lot in her article as she is not show shying away from the audience. The image of Nicki is used is a mid shot at an eye angle which puts the audience at the same level as her which implies that they will be able to relate to her as an artist and she is not intimidating to them, which may also make her be presented as likable.

The double page spread uses a girly, child like colour scheme of pink, white and black. The colours contrast heavily with each other which could suggest that Nicki Minaj could be quite a controversial artist. In addition, pink can often connotate sexuality and feminine as Nicki Minaj is perceived by many as a ‘sexy’ individual, however pink could also connotate innocence which is juxtaposing with her personality., The pink would also attract young girls, who are interested in her music and fits with the ‘pop’ genre of music. The black and pink contrast well with each other and allow the text to stand out easily. Black is the colour of authority and power which reinforced the idea that Nicki Minaj is an extremely powerful individual who is a role model to others. The use of the colour pink could be an obvious link to her albums pink Friday which her fans would be able to identify and associate with Nicki Minaj. Furthermore, the design balance of this double page spread is informal, in order to give it an exciting, fun look. Even though the text is structured effectively, there is no balance in it and the image is positioned to the right hand side. The overall look of this double page spread is vibrant and exciting; this is created by the bold image used and bright colour schemes. This spread is taken from NME magazine which is not usually known for featuring such mainstream, pop artists, therefore the style of this article is slightly different from others I have seen from NME magazine.

The mast head of ‘The Gospel According To Nicki Minaj’ gives connotations of holy due to the use of ‘Gospel’ suggesting Nicki Minaj is ‘god like’ perceiving her as powerful and people ‘worship’ her like her fans . It may actual even convey innocence and doing the right thing, which Nicki minaj is trying to set as a good example to her fans and viewers/readers. The sophisticated text of the masthead also suggests maturity and that Nicki Minaj is a sophisticated woman, this juxtaposes with the large ‘NICKI MINAJ’ after it which is in big bold letters as it may be seen as the mot important text on the page, which conveys importance., the colours of the two are completely contrasting which suggests that she is controversial artist . The size of the masthead also conveys that she is a big artist.

The quote ‘I really toned down the sexual stuff. There was no need for me to do it’ from the article interview catches the readers attention, as Nicki minaj is also know for her sexual videos etc. it also shocks the reader and makes them think ‘why does she want to stop’ or ‘why does she think she there’s no need for her to do it’. Therefore it will encourage them to read more in order to find out why she feels she doesn’t need to do it anymore. This may also show that Nicki wants more respect and to be taken more seriously for her music, and want to be listened to for her music

Rather than being set out like a usual, typical magazine double page spread interview with questions from the interviewer followed by the responses, the double page spread displays the ‘10 commandments’ which may also come back to the god like, innocent point made earlier. One again this breaks the conventions of a normal double page spread, further highlighting how Nicki Minaj ike to break conventions and present herself as a unique artist.