Magazine Double Page Spreads

The importance of a double page spread: 

The double page spread is the main article/feature within the magazine; it is usually based on the main article/feature that is shown on the magazine front cover. However there is often more than one double page spread within the magazine. Therefore the double page spread has an important role in selling the magazine. Double page spreads are two pages that are next to each other within the magazine and work in conjunction.

The conventions of a double page spread:

Main Image:

The main image on a double page spread usually dominates half of the spread this is to draw the reader attention onto the image rather than the text. The main image relates to the article/feature to the main image on the magazine front cover and contents page. In the main image the subject is usually making eye contact with the camera and often has a friend facial expression; this makes the reader more interested in the article. Sometimes double page spreads will include other images; however these will be smaller in size in comparison to the main image. 

Headline:

The headline on a double page spread is used to grab the readers attention, therefore making them want to read the article/feature. The headline is the largest text on the double page spread and is usually a short a statement or phrase; this also helps to grab the readers attention because it is easy to read. The headline is often written in a different font to the rest of the text on the double page spread which helps it to stand out. Headlines are usually placed at the top of the double page spread because that is where the readers eyes will look first. 

Stand First: 

A stand first is placed below the headline but before the main body text. It is placed below the headline because the headline will make the reader curious about the article/feature and the stand first will resolve their curiosity. A stand first is used to set the tone of the article and briefly summaries what the article/feature is about. 

Main Body Text: 

The main body text is the largest part on the double page spread because it contains all of the information about the article/feature.  The main body text is usually split up into a few columns, this is done so that there are spaces between the text which makes it appear shorter than it actually is; which means the reader is more likely to read it. These columns are operated by a thin vertical liked called a ‘Gutter’. The gutter helps to show the reader the divide between the columns. The main body text will relate to the main image and headline that are also on the double page spread. The main body text usually is informal because it makes it more personal to the reader. 

Pull Quote: 

Pull quotes use the most interesting parts of the article/feature and empathise them. Pull quotes can be taken directly from the main body text or can be summarised extracts. Pull quotes have a larger font than the main body text, so that it ‘pulls’ the readers attention. They also often are written in a different colour font to the rest of the article which makes them more visible to the reader. Sometimes pull quotes are framed; this helps to draw the readers attention to them further. Pull quotes are a good way to break up large sections of the main body text to give the article/feature a more interesting look.  Pull quotes are useful because when the reader scans the article/feature, the pull quotes will stand out to them and then they will want to properly read it to find out the context of the quote.

Drop Capital: 

A drop capital is a large letter at the beginning of the main body text. They often vary in size, but most usually drop down by 8 lines. The drop capital helps to give the article/feature a more interesting look. 

Running Head:

The running head is a navigational element used on double page spreads to help guide the reader. Running heads have the same headings as the subheadings on the contents page. They are usually placed in brightly coloured boxes so that they are visible to the reader even when the magazine in closed. Running heads aren't found on every page but are usually placed at the beginning of each section. 

Gutter: 

The gutter is a small amount of space between the columns of the main body text. The gutter is sometimes marked with a thin line to clearly show the space. The gutter helps to show a clear divide between the columns of the main body text which makes the article/feature less chaotic. 

Typography: 

A double page spread will often have various different fonts, font sizes and font colours to make the article/feature more eye-catching and interesting to the reader. Typography is important in making the double page spread appear aesthetically pleasing.