Double page spread analysis

A double page spread is a distinctive feature of magazines, where a large landscape picture is spread across a double page with an anchored text, usually an article with specific layouts to create a specific and effective feel. In this example the text is laid out in columns, columns are probably the most common layout when concerning articles and are most definitely the most common form of layout when it comes to double page spreads. This layout is used to section the text effectively as it looks clean and organised, a good technique since it allows for the main image on the page to keep focus because the text is small and cordoned of well. Another example of a technique used when concerning the text and the article is the dropped cap, this being the large and emphasised capital at the start of the article. This is used well on this double page spread because it indicates clearly the start of the article and text, also the fact that it is red sticks to the colour scheme of the magazine and the page. The headline also follows the colour scheme of red and white, these two colours are contrasting of each other, and are also contrasting to the black background; this makes sure all text is clearly visible and is definitely a good look. Because the headline is large and bold it could possibly indicate that the article is easy to read and friendly. The main image of the double page spread is of My Chemical Romance, the band that is featured as the main image of the front cover; this is a clear indication of coherence throughout the magazine. The image is in black and white, which has multiple connotations, maybe it could convey the struggle that the group has been through, as the subject and anchorage to the picture is "THE BEST MCR WE CAN BE". This point is further backed up by the secondary images, all being either a performance or the band in the studio, this links to struggle since is shows the band progressing and in the creation process. In the images we see the members of the group in discussion this could connote once again progression but also a band that is happy with themselves, this is anchored to the headline also. The members of the band in the image are dressed in black, and the hair of the singer or frontman is a very dark black, black connotes multiple things, including danger and death, but most importantly it adds a gothic feel to the band which is linked to the genre that they are most commonly recognised to be a part of, the genre being rock and many a time the music genre of rock is linked to the colour of black. The black colour keeps the feel of the magazine and the colour is further emphasised because the print is in black and white. Finally the double page spread is asymmetrical since the main focus point of the image (which is the frontman) is located on just the left side of the page, the right side of the page with the article and the text, has mainly just black in the background, meaning the text is ultimately more noticeable and easier to read.