Monday 20 December 2010

Double Page Spread Analysis


This double page spread is uniquely different to many others as the main photo covers the whole of the background with the main article of text overlapping it. It is also unique in that the colour of the text also matches with the background, which would normally make the text unreadable but instead ties the words in with the colour scheme of the pages. This use of a photo background isn't seen much in many magazines, but is quite regular in this magazine, Q. The headline of the article does not seem to stand out much, which is a minus of the page, but the 'New To Q' tag at the top helps tie the page to the magazine itself. The use of the red is also a regular re-occuring features of Q magazine. I myself feel that the use of a photo of the background makes the actual article seem unappealing to read, as it is not only a bit overly simple but it makes the words harder to read sue to the small size and similar colour to the background.




A very apparent red, white and black colour scheme is used, something that occurs a lot in Kerrang! magazine usually. The colours also help tie in with the rock genre the magazine represents. The layout is quite typical in the fact that the photo of the band the article is referring to takes over one of the pages, with the corresponding article on the opposing page. The red quote on the black background helps break up the normal article of black on white and makes it look less long-winded and essay-like, helping encourage the audience to read it. The smaller article in the corner also helps keep the page tied together and doesn't deviate from the theme and make it look messy, but also adds extra interest to a page that is otherwise made up of writing. The font of the title is key in tying in the article to the magazine's rock theme along with the colours so the magazine looks more professional and well put together.





The colours used on this double page spread is the first noticeable concept your eyes are drawn to- the typical American red, white and blue- with only blacks and greys added in to keep the focus on the photo without making it look unprofessional and too garish using too much colour. The photo takes up a whole page and a half, making it the main focal point and makes the page look interesting and exciting. The fonts give the article a sophisticated look to go with the singer’s regal looking pose atop what looks like the American flag. The columns of writing help the article look both neat and organised, but also break up the text so as not to make it look too lengthy and boring. The overlap of the title and the photo helps to tie the whole spread together and helps keep it professional looking.



Thursday 16 December 2010

Contents Page Analysis


This contents is very simple, with both its layout and with the colours it uses. Though I find the colours may be too basic and make the magazine look slightly boring and plain. It is split into subheadings, which makes it a lot easier to navigate aroiund and also makes the magazine seem like it has more content- so they feel it is value for money. The font of the title and the subheadings is reoccuring, making the page look more professionally put-together, though the list of articles is only down a small part of the page, with photos filling most of the space. These photos refer to the articles, with the page numbers embedded to make the page look more exciting and less tedious to look for the main cover stories.



A basic 'classy' look is obviously trying to be achieved in this contents, with a basic colour scheme of black and white. The subheaders help easily navigate the readers eye, and a posh, 'high-class' font it used to yet again redefine a 'classy' edge. This is juxtaposed against picture of the woman scantily clad with her bare legs in the air, the main focal point on the page. I personally find it takes over too much of the page space and is a bit over-done for just the contents. The Vibe magazine's logo is also a main feature on the top part of the page to constantly remind the reader what they are reading and add advertisement if anyone see's the page and wants to read it.



The contents page inkeeps with the magazine's colour scheme of white, black and yellow with a recurring font for all of the titles and subheadings. The subheadings help to keep it organised and easier to follow as a reader. I like the way many photos are used and are all linked to the page number it refers to, with some having a bit of added information to describe what the article is mainly about- so the reader doesn't have to waste time searching for the appropriate page from a big list or through the magazine itself. Though interesting, the quote seems a bit out of place and seems to just be used for filling a gap instead of for a real reason.