Double page spread design feature

For my double page spread I wish to create a design feature based around the suits in a deck of cards, and the queen of hearts card. Firstly, I had to take photographs of each of the cards I wished to use on my double page spread. I did this by sticking playing cards to a plain surface, which could be easily removed on Photoshop.

Double Page spread flat plan

Brand Identity

The final thing that I shall be looking into before designing my magazine double page spread is to look at how Brand Identity is kept from the front page, to the double page spread. This issue of Kerrang! speaks of this band in the contents page, yet doesn't make a huge deal out of them till they are actually featured. On this page, it is clear to see which magazine it came from. The Interviewer is referred to as K!, and there are several instances on the page where the title of the magazine can be seen, such as in the bottom right hand corner. Much like this magazine, I intend to make the link between my magazine pages clear, and despite the fact that my artist is featured on the cover, I can't see any reason as to why this almost simplistic look couldn't work for my magazine too.

 Here is an issue of NME, which has also very heavily inspired my work. This one features a much more stylish double page spread, and whilst I am basing mine more off the Kerrang! double page spread, I wish to establish brand identity like this issue of NME. It is clear that the artist on the cover is the same as in the double page spread, however, I would say they don't feature on the contents page as much, and additionally, there is a less obvious link between the magazine and the feature. I shall avoid this, by ensuring that my magazine title is clearly visible  like the issue of Kerrang!

Additional features

Whilst designing my double page spread, I have to make use of conventions such as Drop Caps and Pull quotes, along with the correct typeface for the magazine.

The first Drop Cap comes from an Issue of Rock Sound. The cap is around 7 lines down, and takes up a very small section of the page. This is down to the size of the text, and the spacing of the text by the picture. The pull quote for this particular article is located under the text, and in the middle of the article. From this, I have learnt that my pull quote doesn't have to come either at the end of the article, or at the start. Furthermore, I may also choose to make my Drop cap more than 2 lines large, which how I originally planed to lay it out. 

The next magazine was another issue of Rock Sound. What made this article stand out for me was the fact that it doesn't feature a Drop Cap at all. It does, however, feature a Pull Quote, which is located at the bottom of the article, which from my research, is a common feature in the layout of double page spread articles. However, I personally like this, as it doesn't break the flow of the article, and makes it seem like a single sentence.

The next article was from an issue of Q. This one features a Drop Cap which covers 7 lines, much like the first Drop Cap, and yet, it appears to be much bigger than the one from Rock Sound. This is to do with the typeface used, along with the colour of the text. The Pull quote is also surrounded with a picture, and red bars to help accentuate its location on the page. I really like this design, as the picture looks as though it is looking back over the quote. I will try to implement this into my work, as I really like this effect.

This Drop Cap is from an issue of Q, and rather than being 7 lines down like the others I have looked at, it is only 5. I personally feel this is a far better size for a Drop Cap to be. I also prefer the style of font used for this rather than the sans-serif font used on the others. The Pull quote is located at the end of the picture, and at the end of the article. As previously mentioned, as much as I think this is too generic, it features in a great number of magazines, though I wish to place my Pull Quote in the center of my article.

Double page spread article: Second draft

From my first draft, I have made a number of improvements to ensure my work is more like that of a music magazine, rather than anything else.

A few months ago, during Alice’s stratospheric  rise to fame following the release of her debut,  album, “Oh Glory”, Renegade’s resident interviewer managed to collar the rising star for an hour before a Gig, during the final night of her “It will be alright on the night” tour. During which the star spoke of her rise to fame, her family’s opinion of her music, and how music has been taken over by 12 year olds with no talent. Justin Beiber, Rebecca Black, we’re looking at you!

A dusty changing room backstage is the best that can be mustered up for this interview. Alice sits opposite me, in an armchair, whilst I sit atop an upturned box. There is a small, temporary table between us, filled with presents from adoring fans, and some letters from the more lustful of her fans.  The sounds of the stage being set up can be heard faintly from behind the door. Alice is currently wearing her outfit ready for the Gig tonight. Her face is painted to look like a circus performer, notably, a ringmaster, and she has a long jacket on. A top hat hangs off the top of her head, allowing ginger locks to flow down like a waterfall.

 I am the first to speak. “So, how’s the tour (the tour in question being her “It will be alright on the night” tour) going Alice? Looks like it’s been a success.” She sighs, and looks at me, as though I have just told her all about politics, or the stock market, or some other boring news article about David Cameron and his daughter. “Yeah. It’s alright, I guess. I mean, it’s more successful than the last one.” Her voice is filled with boredom. I can tell she was expecting a more unusual interview than this, so I come in with my next point. “So, your fans have always loved your style. The way you dress, and the way you play. I must say that you look remarkable dressed like that. How do you think up all these costumes?” Her eyes widen a little. A question she has probably been asked many times, though she seemed a little more interested in that, than my previous question. “I dunno. It’s just sort of who I am. Plus, you attract a different crowd of people if you dress like Lady Gaga, than say Matt Bellamy.” The way she speaks of the lead singer of Muse perhaps hints at some pride, or admiration. Perhaps it insinuates at something more?

As much as I want to pry further, I decide to go for a question a nation of fans want answers. “So, last night you announced your next album as having already been recorded. We have all heard your latest single “uNdErTone”, which is phenomenal by the way. Was this hard to keep under wraps from your fans, and have you planned for any other singles to be released before the album comes out?” She leans in, and smiles. “Thanks, I really liked recording that one, and playing with the equalizers  and all the shit that goes with that.” She pauses for a moment, before answering again.  “Plus, I’m sure your readers would love to know about hiding a record from the public, but I think the less that’s said, the better. As for other singles, I have collaboration with ‘The Joy Formidable’ actually. Plus on the album, when it’s released of course, is a song with Panic! At the Disco. Course, I can’t say any more than that.” She leans back, and takes a drink from a cup on the table. I put together what she has said, and decide to carry on the topic of what was announced on her official facebook page, and twitter account last night, which created quite a stir in her fans.

“You also made reference to the name of your next tour being called ‘Fuck Wonderland’. Anything you wish to add? I mean, how can you decide what your next tour will be like if you haven’t even finished this one?” Now she sits up. She is obviously a lot more interested in this one, which obviously means I am the first person to ask her this. She hesitates for a second, before starting again. “Well, I had this idea about making a tour that basically pisses around with all the stuff in Alice in Wonderland, which was my favourite book as a kid, and I feel that now would be a good time to do it. Obviously, I’m taking a short break, but I want to get out there and play. Not many people get the chance to do this, ya know? I mean, a year ago, I was just a no-body from London, selling coffees in Starbucks. Now, I’m nearly a household name! So I want to play whilst I can, and if I can make some cash, then that’s great too.” She stops, and takes a drink from her cup, before turning back to me. “Plus, the more time I spend on stage, the less time people have to formulate stories, like I’m out clubbing with Brandon Flowers, or dating the lead from some band like Panic at the Disco.” 

She lets out a nervous laugh with her last comment, as though she has something more to say. I take the opportunity to raise another point I know her fans are dying to know. “Actually, that’s a question I want to know the answer to, have you had time to find yourself a boyfriend? I hear Justin Beiber might be available.” She shoots me a smile, and she lets out a laugh, and yet, I feel some form of hostility from her. “No. I mean there were loads of rumours that I was going out with Adam Levine from Maroon 5, but that was just a bunch of crap. Besides, my mother approves of the music, but she probably wouldn’t approve of me getting a ‘rock boyfriend’. As for Beiber, I’m gonna say no, and say that we shouldn't let 12 year olds make shitty music. The world would be thankful for that. I mean, c’mon! Baby and Friday? Who signs these people?!” She lets out a more relaxed laugh now. I guess her parents must have had a big effect on her.

“So, your parents are proud?” She looks at me, and her smile melts away. She takes a long breath before starting. “Well, yes and no. Mum is proud of me, and no matter what I do, she will be happy that I’m doing what I love. Dad.... Well, he just wants me to earn loads, and save it up. They sometimes fight about it, and it gets super awkward sometimes. Then again, my sister is a money grabbing bitch, who’s always asking for money. Luckily, my brother keeps her away. Life can be really hard, ya know?” She takes a long drink from the cup, and then throws it behind her. She looks tired, like the tour has begun to take its toll.

I have so many more questions I want ask her, but the stage manager calls her for a sound check, and she apologizes before leaving. To be fair to her, she said an hour, and we spent nearly that long trying to find a room to do this interview. I guess my questions will have to wait till next time, or till the next time she has time to spare in a dusty backroom.

One thing that does surprise me is how well-spoken she is, especially when her background doesn't place her in the upper class. Most other rock acts swear every other fucking word, and get in the papers for getting drunk in every hotel possible.

 But I guess she is just a different class of Rocker...

Double page spread article: First Draft

Before I can comprise, or start thinking of the layout for my double page spread, I need to write my article, and see how long it is.

A few months ago, during Alice’s rise to fame, Renegade’s resident interviewer managed to collar the rising star for an hour before a Gig, during the final night of her “It will be alright on the night” tour. During which the star spoke of her rise to fame, her family’s opinion, and how music has been taken over by 12 year olds with no talent.

A dusty changing room backstage is the best that can be mustered up for this interview. Alice sits opposite me, in an armchair, whilst I sit atop an upturned box. There is a small, temporary table between us, filled with presents from adoring fans, and some letters from the more lustful of her fans.  The sounds of the stage being set up can be heard faintly from behind the door. Alice is currently wearing her outfit ready for the Gig tonight. Her face is painted to look like a circus performer, notably, a ringmaster, and she has a long jacket on. A top hat hangs off the top of her head, allowing ginger locks to flow down like a waterfall. I am the first to speak. “So, how’s the tour going Alice? Looks like it’s been a success.” She sighs, and looks at me, as though I have just told her all about politics, or the stock market. “Yeah. It’s alright, I guess. I mean, it’s more successful than the last one.” Her voice is filled with boredom. I can tell she was expecting a more unusual interview than this, so I come in with my next point. “So, your fans have always loved your style. The way you dress, and the way you play. I must say that you look remarkable dressed like that. How do you think up all these costumes?” Her eyes widen a little. A question she has probably been asked many times, though she seemed a little more interested in that, than my previous question. “I dunno. It’s just sort of who I am. Plus, you attract a different crowd of people if you dress like Lada Gaga, than say Matt Bellamy.” The way she speaks of the lead singer of Muse perhaps hints at some pride, or admiration. As much as I want to pry further, I decide to go for a question a nation of fans want answers. “So, last night you announced your next album as having already been recorded. Was this hard to keep under wraps from your fans?” She leans in, and smiles. “I’m sure your readers would love to know about hiding a record from the public, but I think the less that’s said, the better.” She leans back, and takes a drink from a cup on the table. I put together what she has said, and decide to carry on the topic of what was announced on her official facebook page, and twitter account last night. “You also made reference to the name of your next tour being called ‘Fuck Wonderland’. Anything you wish to add? I mean, how can you decide what your next tour will be like if you haven’t even finished this one?” Now she sits up. She is obviously a lot more interested in this one. She hesitates for a second, before starting again. “Well, I had this idea about making a tour that basically pisses around with all the stuff in Alice in Wonderland, and I feel that now would be a good time to do it. Obviously, I’m taking a break, but I want to get out there and play. Not many people get the chance to do this, ya know? I mean, a year ago, I was just a no-body from London. Now, I’m nearly a household name! So I want to play whilst I can, and if I can make some cash, then that’s great too.” She stops, and takes a drink from her cup, before turning back to me. “Plus, the more time I spend on stage, the less time people have to formulate stories, like I’m out clubbing with Brandon Flowers, or dating the lead from some band like Panic at the Disco.”  She lets out a nervous laugh with her last comment, as though she has something more to say. I take the opportunity to raise another point I know her fans are dying to know. “Actually, that’s a question I want to know the answer to, have you had time to find yourself a boyfriend? I hear Justin Beiber might be available.” She shoots me a smile, and yet, I feel some hostility from her. “No. I mean there were loads of rumours that I was going out with Adam Levine from Maroon 5, but that was just a bunch of crap. As for Beiber, I’m gonna say no, and say that we shouldn’t let 12 year olds make shitty music. The world would be thankful for that.” I have so many more questions I want ask her, but the stage manager calls her for a sound check. I guess it will have to wait till next time. One thing that does surprise me, is how well-spoken she is. Most other rock acts swear every other fucking word. But I guess she is a different class of Rocker.