Analysis of Double Page Spread

There are many codes and conventions used on the page, for example there is a headline, pull quote and there are columns for the text. The headline is an important convention to have, because it shows the reader what the article is about, the headline is also a pull quote, this is effective because it gives the reader an insight to the article. The way the text has been written in columns makes the page look neat and professional. This also makes the text easier to read, making it fun for the audience so that they enjoy reading the magazine, making it more likely for them to buy the magazine again.

Another convention the magazine uses is a by-line. This is important for the magazine, because it tells the reader who the journalist and photographer is, making sure the journalist and photographer get the credit that they deserve, which meets the audiences expectations. The magazine has also used the same house style, also making the page professional. By using the same font and colours the page is easy to read and links well with the rest of the magazine, making it recognisable to the audience.

The page has one main image, which shows distinct iconography, from the tattoos and the way the star is dressed we can tell that the article is around rock music. The body language and facial expression used by the artiste is also effective, because it also allows the audience to link to rock music, which they will enjoy (as they have bought the magazine) and will encourage them to continue reading. The image also links to the headline and article, this makes the article more fun for the audience and encourages them to read it. The stand first and pull quote also relate to the image creating anchorage, which slowly leads the audience into the article.

The double page spread has also included synergy, in the grey box which is used for extra information, synergy is used by having a web address included on the page. By having a website on the page the magazine is encouraging the reader to go online and find out more information on the magazine and see the latest news. This may then start positive word of mouth if they start talking about the magazine and its website with their friends.

One last thing I think is effective about this page is the way the text has been written. The writer has used highlighted some of the text to show the reader this is a question that the star will be answering, and then has put the answer underneath, this is effective because it makes the text fun and easy to read and lets the reader find the answer to a question they want to know easily. The writer has also used a dropped cap, which makes the text professional, and allows the reader to see where the article starts.

Aquinas Magazine Contents Page

 

 

One thing I like about my magazine contents page is the house style, as it links to my front cover and makes the page professional and recognisable to my target audience. Another thing I like about my contents page is the editors letter, as it makes the audience feel welcome and encourages them to buy the magazine again for its next issue. Next time I will also include a photo montage, as it looks effective, as I have also included the page numbers where the reader can find out where abouts in the magazine they can find these images, therefore it makes the pages/features easier to find and makes it more fun for the reader.

 

One thing I would improve on my magazine contents page would be the 'subscribe now' box. I would improve this by including an image of the front cover of the magazine to show the audience a clear link to the magazine and to persuade them to subscribe. I would also include an app, or another use of synergy on this page to encourage reader loyalty. This could also help get the magazine get more readers as an app could get more people talking about the magazine, meaning more people will buy it.

Aquinas magazine front cover

 

 

One thing I think is good about my magazine front cover is the house style. I have used the same font and colours throughout the page, this is effective because it makes the page looks professional and the magazine will become recognisable by the house style. I also like having the logos to facebook, twitter, youtube and instagram, because it creates a symbiotic relationship, and will also get the reader to show more interest in the magazine as it will encourage them to 'follow', 'like', 'subscribe', etc to the magazine on these social networking sites, which could then start positive word of mouth for the magazine.

 

However, to improve my magazine next time I would make the logos smaller so that the attention isn't taken away from the cover line or cover star. I also think that if the logos were a similar size together as the barcode the page will look more professional. Another thing that I would do to my magazine front cover to improve it would be to include more cover features as there is some extra space on the right hand side, and I think that the magazine would look better if there was no excess space, therefore more cover features. I would also make the colour of the font for the website, at the bottom, a different colour so that it stands out, and so that the reader can see it more easily.

Contents Page Plan

Analysis of front cover

Plan front cover

Contact sheet

The ticks represent the images that could be used on the magazine front cover.The images that have been ticked have been chosen, because the backgrounds can be changed (if too busy) and the images are medium close ups, which look professional for a magazine front cover. The people in the images are also looking directly at the camera (facing the audience) making the image look presentable.

I won't be using the second image, because the body isn't facing the camera directly, therefore the image would not look professional on a magazine front cover. I also will not be using the fourth image, because the face is covered, which is also one of the reasons I will not be using the fifth image. Another reason I will not be using the fifth image is because of the lighting. I think that the image is too bright to be used on the front cover of a magzine.

The image I have chosen to use overall, is image eight, because there is a plain background, so the person stands out, also the rule of thirds works well, because the eyes are above the line of the first third. I will also be using this image, because the person is looking directly at the camera, making the image look professional.