Double Page OneBy Christian Whelan

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Stage One Here Is my first stage when Developing my magazine double page spread Page One. I really wanted these pages to stick out at the reader, otherwise why else would they want to read. Therefore I wanted to use complex shapes and create an image that grabs the eye and really gets them curious. I believe I have done this so far. And I aim to continue this technique. Firstly I have a main picture, posing as the main attraction, I have chosen the best photo out of all the shoot, this way it is more pleasing and attractive to the reader. Having a main picture in the double page spread is conventional of a music magazine Secondly The text, The main introduction has a Large capitalised letter at a larger font than the rest, again another convention of a magazine. It draws the reader to the beginning of the text therefore resulting in the rest of the article being read. Furthermore the first part of the article introduces the star, I have done this because it is conventional of a music magazine once again. The star is new and upcoming and people want to know who she is. The text within this page is split into separate columns, This is another convention, it makes the reader believe there is less writing resulting in an easier reader. The final reason I have done this is because it looks much neater, and creates a certain flow to the article. Just above the article introduction I have placed a header, this header summarises the article as if to tease the reader into reading on. Its font is larger and bolder, a convention needed and used in music magazines to emphasise its importance, this is the first thing I want the readers to see. Also I have placed a page number on the bottom left, conventional in its position and purpose. The page number itself is also interesting, I didn't just want a number, I wanted a design to go with it to continue the interesting quality design throughout the article. The overall layout of the page lends ideas from gossip magazines, the layout is quirky and interesting, different shapes. This gossip magazine convention will attract females customers as many best selling gossip magazines do. Finally on top of each smaller picture there is writing on top of a pink background. This is conventional of magazines, to summarise each picture. I have done this to show the reader what is contained within the article, these pictures may interest the reader and they may want to find out more. The words add to the picture creating an image within the reader head. They then want to read on and see if their image is correct.

Stage Two Here I have added two more pictures, changed the header fonts and added a splash at the top of the article. The splash at the top of the article is common of many music magazines, it categorises the section of the magazine that includes specific articles. This section is called “Superstars” and as the name states the section contain information on articles on superstars. Its shape is on a rotation and I have used the “Noise Effect” and “Drop Shadow” effect to add an interesting look, giving the magazine its professional individuality. I will continue this technique throughout the magazine in similar parts. Secondly I have changed the text on the picture text and the Header. I have done this for s similar reason to the front cover. Its font is Trajan pro, because its much more interesting than the font used previously. It is much more crisp and its much more pleasing to the eye. Whilst simultaneously looking much more professional. Finally I have added two more pictures, the most apparent on being on the bottom left. I felt the page would of been to boring if text was to be placed here, I wanted the page to be filled with colour an visual stimuli, pictures of the star before the makeover and stardom gets reader curiously going. Therefore they continue to read on. The picture added on the right will be the third of four that will cover the right hand side of the page. I believe this addition will really complete the pages design. Making it look polished and thought out in terms of shape and layout. Finally every picture used has been given a “Noise” effect. And before placement onto the page the pictures contrast where edited to make the photos look more professional as they where taken by an amateur. I need to continue this level of quality that the pages contain.

Stage Three

Here on my final stage I have added the last picture on the right hand side, finished the introduction article, and added small tagline below the photos and article. I have also added the text above the pink backgrounds on the smaller pictures. Finally adding a quote pull-out at the bottom of the page. Firstly the taglines below the main photo and article. This is typical of any music magazine, it credits the photographer and the writer, therefore publishing them and their craft. This is a convention always used. It is a legal obligation the editors must full fill. These have a much smaller font size than everything else, as the readers don't necessarily want to be bored with the formalities of the magazine business. But if they want to know they can see it. Secondly I have finished the introduction article, completing the pages overall design. Whilst continuing the columned convention I have bee using. This is my draft one complete. Even though I believe it has a great quality to it, and my technical skills are reflected through it along with my understanding of conventions. It can be improved. It does not meet my brief and my magazine Concept I created myself. It look more like a gossip magazine rather than a Music Magazine. Although the colour reaches out to its female target audience its still feel plain and boring, it need more colour to effect the Front Covers Themed Issue. Also the pictures to the left, although look good on this page alone, I forgot the second page will connect directly this one, therefore these pictures stop the flow of the double page spread, acting as a full stop, preventing readers from reading on.