Double page spread deconstructions

Double page spread 1: XXL





Layout

This double page spread follows the convention of having the main image on the left hand side page and the body of text on the right hand side; although the placement of the image does break convention slightly as it continues over to the right hand side page leaving very little space for the body of text meaning the size of the text is relatively small. The body of text is placed on a white background image of a scrap piece of paper; this gives the article a rough and edgy feel that links with the style of the artist the article is based around. Conventions such as pull quotes and drop caps are used both with an old English font; this again gives an old fashioned, rough look to the article and portrays the style of the artist to the audience, suggesting that he has an old fashioned, classic and rough style of music, specifically rap. This double page spread also breaks conventions numerous times. Firstly the double page spread doesn't include a headline only the name of the artist in a larger font above the body of text; this suggests that the artist is established enough not to need a headline or an introduction. This may also explain why the most of this double page spread is dominated by the image of the artist because he is the main focal point.

Images

The single image used conveys the same tough, urban feel of the text again linking back to the style of the artist and the genre of their music. In terms of mis en scene the choice of location being an old boxing gym with props used in the background such as punching bags and weights has connotations of fighting, tough, hardworking people suggesting that the artist is like a boxer with those traits. It may also suggest that the artist has had a tough background in which fighting played a part or a metaphorical fight to gain musical success.

Language

The font used for the main body of text is relatively small although the drop caps and pull quote used are both in larger old English font. This has been done by the institution to draw the focus and attention of the audience so that the pull quote is read and gives the reader the intention of reading the whole article. The old English font used has connotations again of toughness and grit; the font is very popular within the rap culture and conventions with use in tattoos. These connotations again link back to the urban, tough persona that the artist is portraying. The text is written from a 3rd person perspective with a relatively formal register although there are informal phrases used particularly within the quotes from the artist rather than the article itself.

Double Page Spread 2:Vibe

Layout
In comparison to the previous double page spread this magazine follows the layout conventions of musical magazines in a more strict fashion with the main image being confined to the left hand side page without any crossover.  The emblem to represent the artist is placed at the top of the page above the body of text; this is similar to the previous XXL cover although the XXL cover uses only the artists name. The strapline used "How High" has connotations of smoking in partnership with the main image in which the artist is smoking. However this double page spread does break convention due to it not including a pull quote from the artist.
Images
The main image used is a headshot of the featured artist in which he is smoking with an indifferent expression. The image carries connotations that link into the conventions of the rap genre and will appeal to the target audience of the magazines; these connotations include subjects such as smoking, drug use and having a laid back attitude. In terms of mis en scene the use of the black background ensures that the main artist stands out against it as well as the choice of costume with the yellow cap complimenting the black coloured background.

Language
Once again like the XXL magazine double page spread the main article is written in 3rd person with quotations from the artist throughout. The body of text uses a relatively small font and comes across a lot larger than the previous XXL double page spread. A colour scheme of black and yellow is kept through the text, this coincides with the colours represented in the main image and also is the name of the featured artist's hit song "black and yellow". Once again the register of the text is relatively formal apart from the quotes from the artist much like the XXL double page spread.
Double page spread 3: The Source

Layout

The layout of this final double page spread breaks convention featuring the main image of the right hand side page rather than the left like the previous two magazines. The main body of text like the previous Vibe magazine also contains a large body of text using small font. Unlike the previous two magazines this article uses a title that is not just the artists name or a representation of it. The strapline is placed under the article title this is the first time the name of the artist is mentioned; this suggests that the previous two magazines included artists in which their names spoke for themselves and carried a reputation therefore no real title was needed as the target audience would have read on regardless. Similar to the XXL magazine double page spread a pull quote is used, this is placed under the main body of text as the XXL pull quote is also.

Images

The main image used by the institution has the artist posing in a seductive manner implying sexual connotations; the reason this has been done by the institution is because the theory that 'sex sells' so this image appeals to a male audience from this view of it and also a female audience because it could be said that the artist has taken an empowering pose. The institution has also took mis en scene into consideration when following this 'sex sells' theory because the featured artist is wearing revealing clothing that highlight features of her body.

Language

Once again this final double page spread uses a 3rd person narrative with some inclusion of quotes from the artist; this is a convention that has been followed throughout each magazine. The formal with touches of informal register has also been followed throughout each magazine.

Summary

I am going to take inspiration from these three deconstructions by using constantly followed conventions such as the use of a 3rd person narrative throughout. I am also going to place my main image on the right hand side like the first two magazines that I have deconstructed because I believe that this convention is necessary because the image will be the first thing that is seen by the audience and then this will ensure that they read on to the article. I am also going to include drop caps and pull quotes as these are essential to making the article look professional and engaging the audience.