Double Page Spread Development

Background Colour Issue

I was split between a white background and a black background for my double page spread. The white was good as everything could be seen clearly and it is a simple way of displaying everything. The black background however adds a sense of mysteriousness to the article. 

I chose to use the black background as I have chosen to make some of my photos black and white, allowing the black background to work well with these pictures. 

Picture Problems

I would like to use each of these photos for my double page spread, but as I already have chosen two, I may have to only choose one. 

Picture Positioning

The screenshot above is the design I will use for my double page spread. I decided to position one picture on the first page as that will be where the main body of the article will be. Instead of only using one mid shot of the model, I have decided to put all three on the design as the viewer of the magazine will now know which artist is who out of the group. The names of the artists are done in the font Chalkduster as it allows for a more street-like view.

Changing the design

                                 

After looking at my analysis of double page spreads and others on the internet, I have decided to put one larger image on one page and a big headline above it as it allows more pictures on both pages and leaving less for the article. If there was a lot of space for an article, it could look a bit boring and too wordy, and that is why I have enlarged the images over the two pages. I also added a promotion to advertise the artist and get people to listen to their new music. The font Chalkduster was used on the polaroid pictures as it gave the pictures a more self made view. 

Enticing Title

"The new brand of hip-hop is emerging" is the title I will be using, as it catches the reader of the magazine. The quite underneath is also powerful as it is an opinion of the artist, which is what the readers want to see when they view the article.

Article Sample 

I decided to use an interview for my article, so we could see that the magazine has actually met with the artists and got their opinion. I chose to have 1 member of the group answer each question as it gave mixed opinions on the questions. I also added bits where the group laugh as it shows that they are teenagers who joke around with each other while they are being serious music artists. 

What made you want to get into rap?

Oli – Well we’ve been together since I can remember, and we would go to HMV and buy new records every week. One of my favourite artists Jay Z, released the Black Album in 2003 and when my dad played it I was singing along [Laughs]. He is my idol.

How long have you been creating music?

Ali – Well my older brother creates beats on his computer and we were on them from like, 13. Back then our bars weren’t thought out to much but still had rhythm. Now they’re the best in Britain! [Laughs]

What do people think when hearing about your background?

Oli – We are from Reading, where not huge amount talented rappers make it, but the game there is huge. Caversham Heights is also quite posh so not many people think we can spit. Just because we were from a decent background doesn’t make us unable to rap. 

How did Def Jam get into contact with you?

Max – Well ever since we started making YouTube videos, we have been getting a lot of attraction from big names, and our recent Mixtape was huge. So they called Oli one day, as we didn’t have an agent, and asked to meet. The rest is history. 

What are your plans for the future?

Oli – We want to change the face of the British rap Industry! Signing with Def Jam is huge and will allow us to hit stages in America and Britain, better than any rapper in Britain.

Who do you feel is sitting on the rap throne at the moment?

Max – Joey Bada$$’s new album is amazing in the different music and no huge features, making it an individual effort. 

Ali – It has to be that guy Lil Wayne! His new mixtape is fire!

Oli – Probably J Cole, just the intro to his album says it all. 

Any exclusive news you want to tell us?

Max – Urrrmmm, well we are in the studio everyday, and you could see a new record hit the radio in a couple of weeks, so be looking for us! 

Where would you as a hip-hop like to be in 10 years?

Ali – Living the dream with 3-4 albums done, maybe an American tour under our belts. We don’t want to aim to high so we don’t come off as cocky kids, but we want to the most successful British hip-hop group for sure. 

What are your songs about?

Oli – All sorts of things. We talk about todays politics and how it effects the teenagers as well as the struggles for people our age and older. We also talk about other things, but you have to listen to know.

The article

I made the headline of the article huge to catch the reader as well as a quote which stands out as a sub heading. An introduction was made just about the main article to introduce the group and start the double page spread's information. The text was made so it could wrap around the pictures therefore allowing a more complex look as well as allowing more room on the other side.

The article is now on the other side with a gap in between so it looks like an article. Questions are put in a bold white colour while the text is a light grey, still showing the monochrome theme. 

Advertisements

I advertised the mixtape made by my chosen group so they can go out and listen to it. I put it at the end of the article so if they're interested in them, they know where to check out some of their music. The page number is also in the corner, linking back to what the contents page said. 

Focus Group

I gave the design to a focus group who said they liked the way it was laid out and the pictures used. However, the font used for my headlines was boring and doesn't fit the style used on the polaroid pictures. I therefore changed it to the 'cracked' font so it suits the style of the double page spread.