Double Page Spread Research

Double Page Spread Research

KERRANG! Magazine:

The title and pictures on this double page spread occupy most of the space. The main article is in fairly small text and only takes up a minor space on the two pages. The pictures are very descriptive of the band’s emotions and are very natural images; very similar to the ones that I am going to include on my front page and double page spread.

This article is particularly unconventional due to the article not being the central point of focus. It’s something that I would consider using.

The audience this double page spread would appeal to would be those of a younger age; it is somewhat inspirational, e.g. “We’re being the best MCR we can be!” – highlighting individuality and determination. More specifically, it would appeal to young people who are in bands or are aspiring musicians.

I like the way that the page is designed with bold colour, text and shapes to define each segment of the article, e.g. the rectangular strip on the right side of the page draws the readers’ attention to that particular section.

NME Magazine:

This double page spread is in stark contrast to the “Kerrang!” version. The page on the left consists of one picture and one, enlarged quote which highlights particular words to add emphasis.

The picture of the band members is fairly natural and furthers their ‘cool’ image. The image fits well with the text, with it giving the illusion that this quote was spoken whilst the picture was taken.

The left side page is consumed with one image and the quote, which leaves the right hand side of the double page spread filled up with text and rather cramped. I don’t particularly feel that this has a good effect on the reader and is somewhat ‘daunting’, seeing a barrage of text to plough through.

With this band being an older group of people and the colours and layout appearing more contemporary; this double page spread would seemingly appeal to a more mature audience.

Aspects of the double page spread that I do like are the colour change on “ANOTHER OASIS” and on the speech marks. The orange banner going across the main article body does well to ‘break up’ the text and also include a main quote to promote the article.

Q Magazine:

The design of this double page spread is particularly unconventional and contrasts against both the NME and Kerrang! Double page spreads.

The whole double page is a mixture of text and just the one image. However, interestingly ‘the rule of thirds’ is incorporated, which allows the whole frame of the image to be spread across the two pages and act as a background for the text. Something I would be interested in trying to incorporate into my design.

The font, or lack of it in the main quote, has a ‘punk’ or ‘zine’ feel to it. This makes the magazine look vintage and down to earth, and at the same time gives a rebellious look to the subject.

I like the look of the columns of text that are condensed at the bottom of the page, which makes easy reading and doesn’t appear too daunting to the reader.

I dislike the image used due to the expression on the subject’s face; it looks rather strained and false. I feel that it also doesn’t fit well with the main quote and the Punk Rock nature of it.

This article would appeal to young people due to the rebellious tone and imagery used. I think a more mature audience would and imagery used. I think a more mature audience would be somewhat offended and put off by the juvenile imagery and tone.

Rocksound Magazine:

The design of this page is particularly eye catching and artistic. When flicking through the magazine it would catch the reader’s eye and want them to read the article. Again, this is dissimilar to the other double page spreads that I have researched.

The image consumes the whole background of the two pages. However, Hayley Williams (the subject brought out in colour) is given a more foreground role and fits well with the colourful text. Her hair colour blends well with the font and colour choice of ‘PARAMORE’ as they are both ‘rough’ and bright at the same time.

The lack of text and layout of it entices the reader into reading the article as there isn’t an overload of text. This contrasts with NME, due to that magazine focussing centrally on typography and layout of text.

I dislike the seclusion of the other band members in the image. The article is about the whole band and not about this one character and can offend others that took part in the photo-shoot and article.

This double page spread would appeal to young people; equally to both genders as females look up to Hayley Williams and males tend to be more attracted to her. The article is appealing for differing reasons.


Metal Hammer




The design of this double page isn't particularly colourful and 'eye catching' - it's very specific to a particular issue and would only really appeal to fans of the band who knew what that particular issue was (Avenged Sevenfold's drummer died previous to the publish of this issue).


The image used is very powerful however, and makes up for the lack of colour and vibrancy. It gets all four band members in shot with the deceased member also in shot in the background in the form of a graffiti stencil. It's very striking and would emotionally appeal to a large number of readers; even if they were not interested in the band.


The use of a quote from a band member is also very powerful as you get an honest and compelling opinion from a person who has a real connection with the story being told. This double page spread is full of compassion and is very emotive.


I'm not quite sure what I dislike about this double page spread. If I had one slight criticism it would be that the italics in the body of text below the headline is a bit unclear; but it does fit in with the rest of the two pages.


This double page spread would appeal to various ages as the band has a very large fan base. However, the amount of deep meaning could become quite a burden on young readers aged between 12-16. So I think it would appeal to those 18+ as I feel as if they would understand the story a lot more and could even relate to it, due to more life experience coming with being an adult.