Magazine Double Page Spread Analysis

NME
Layout- I liked the layout of this double page spread as it was different from all other spreads I had seen from NME and other magazines. This is mainly due to the size and positioning f the picture, it is larger than most are in a double page spread as it covers both pages and is right in the middle, whereas other spreads generally have their picture over a whole page or little ones spread out at the sides. I also liked the small inset picture, as it looked like it had just been thrown on there, using an actual photograph. The pull quote in the middle of the text on the right page doesn't break up the text that much and is clear enough to read easily. The way the main text borders around the image is very well done, it is simple to navigate from one column to the next and it is spread out over 5 columns, which are all the same size.

Text- The main text is a simple Times New Roman which suits the formality of the magazine, the large M which starts off the story is to a suitable size and font. The font above the first column which is presumably for the band is simple, perhaps presenting the simplicity of the band, and the size makes it the first bit of text that the reader will look at. The bit of text below is the next piece that the reader will look at, explaining what the story concerning the band is about.

Q
Layout- Having chosen to cover a whole page with a picture, the photograph needs to be a good one, and this one is. A medium shot of the artist in black and white, it looks like its from the 80's, fitting in with the rest of the spread, as it is generally keeping with a black and white style, the left side of the left page looks like actual paper as it has smudges of black on it, making it appear more real and keeping with the style of the spread. Although the story only covers 2 columns, it still looks good and is clear and easy to read, broken up by the pull quote and the second part of the story (WHERE ARE THEY NOW?). The extract on the left (THE FILE) looks good as it looks as if it has been clipped on by the paper clip, again making the spread look more real.

Font- The thing I like most about this spread is the use of the pull quote, featured in a black background and slightly slanted, it stands out really well from the main story. The 'GENERATION X' looks great and the distorted feel again adds more realism to the spread. The font for the main story is simple, formal and easy to read, similar to NME.

KERRANG! 

Layout- Like Q, this double page spread's picture covers the whole of one page. This is because the picture is a very good one that shows the band as a whole and has some good ideas and elements to it. The story is split into 3 columns and covers the whole width of the page. The name of the article is stretched across the top of the second page, highlighting what the feature is about and giving the reader a little insight into what the band featured can be compared to. The small section at the bottom breaks up the two last columns and gives the reader something else to read other than the main feature. I also liked the colour scheme as it was consistent and the colours: red, black and white fit contrast rather well with each other.

Font-I think the best piece of text on this double page spread is "TEEN SPIRIT", as although the name is given a distorted look it is still clear and goes together perfectly with the slanted red background. The text below the name also goes well with the title, as it is of a similar if not the same font and has a similar style in the way of background and colour. The pull quote in the middle of the page also fits in well with the title and the subtext, but a problem I noticed with it was that you couldn't see all of "dancing", which made it less clear and meant the reader would have to stretch the double page quite far so as to be able to read it. I liked the font for the main piece of text as it was less formal than NME's and Q's font, portraying a sense of carelessness that fitted in well with the band featured.