Double page analysis q
- 1. Masthead: The masthead is a compliment to the artist, ‘Totally A- maze-ing’ which draws the audience in to read the article because the masthead tells us that the artist is ‘amazing’. The masthead is very small on the page but it stands out because of its bold, sans serif font and black colour against the light grey page. The sans serif font also suggests that the artist shouldn’t be taken too seriously because the font is infomal and bold. Text: Bold, sans serif font is used on the masthead which makes it stand out and suggests that the artist shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Red, serif font is used on the kicker which makes it stand out from the other black text in the main body of the article. The first mention of the artist’s name ‘Labrinth’ in the kicker is in black font to separate it from the red font which makes the audience aware that that is who the article is about. All of the text on the page apart from the masthead, the drop cap and the captions are in serif font. This shows the reader that the rest of the text should be taken more seriously as it is the main article and because it is in a more formal font. Design Principle: The primary optical, strong fallow and weak fallow areas contain most of the information. This shows that the page is using the Guttenberg Design Principle well as they are the places that the reader looks to first. The terminal area contains a small amount of text and a small picture of the artist. This has been done because that is the last place that the reader will look to so it does not need as much eye- catching information as the other areas. There is a large image the spreads across the entire strong fallow area and into the primary optical area. Its position in these areas of the page and its size allows it to stand out against the page. The masthead and kicker are located in the primary optical area which draws attention to them and, as it is the first thing that the audience will read, tells the audience what and who the article is about. Design Balance: The page is well balanced because each side has an equal amount of either text or images. While the left side is heavier in text the right is heavier in imagery which balances out both sides. The text is written in four columns, although it is one more column than the average magazine layout would have, it makes the page seem more in balance because it could be split in two with two columns on either side. Both sides also contain secondary images which separated the heavy amount of text. This makes the page balanced in terms of text to image. The only aspect of the page that could be off balance is the main image as it cuts across both pages making the right hand side seem slightly heavier than the left. This is balanced, however, by the large amount of text on the left side. Main Image: The main image is large and spreads across the top half of the right page and part of the left. This makes is the most eye catching part of the page because of its size. It shows the artist on stage surrounded by fans which reveals him to be popular. It also shows him to love what he does which sends a positive message to the reader because he looks happy and relaxed. This suggests that the article will be positive because the images show the artist to be happy. House Style: The colours of red, black and grey are carried through onto the double page spread. These colours are stereotypical of the rock genre and of Q so the reader can relate to this because it is what they expect to see from an article in a Q magazine. The drop cap is a white letter ‘L’ against a square red background. This is very similar to the masthead of the magazine which makes it recognisable to the reader and therefore they feel comfortable with it as it is what they expect to see. The black line that runs across the bottom of the page is typical of a Q magazine page and it states the end of the article and gives the page a more formal look. Rule of Thirds: The rule of thirds is used on the main image on the artists head as it falls onto the top left intersection. This highlights the artist’s head and face making the reader aware that the article is about him. The rule of thirds has also been applied to the secondary images. The small image of the artist in the bottom right corner has had the rule of thirds applied to it on the artist’s guitar. This states that he is a talented artist as he can play guitar as well as sing.