After recieving some peer and teacher feedback on the printed copy of my double-page spread, I decided to increase the size of the main article heading, in order for it to create a bigger impact and draw more attention to it. This also meant adjusting the text alignment and putting it onto 2 lines, to make it fit and suit the look of the page as a whole. I also increased the size of the subheading alongside it. A final element I added was the text column divider line down the centre, by using the drawing line tool and then editing the colour and stroke of the line to create a better visual effect. The line is put there to make sure readers can follow the text easily and effectively, making it more appealing.

This page spread as it stands is at a finished stage, however more feedback and minor adjustments may be needed at a later time.

Double Page Spread Feedback and Editing

Using some other edited images that I took myself from the concert I went to, I decided to add a visual element to fill up the negative space left over from the text columns. I added 2 basic rectangular frames and then created the effect of 'poloroid photos' by adding a coloured image of Bon Jovi at the concert on top and readjusting the size and display quality to make them look like poloroid photos. I then added a drop shadow effect to create a better visual impact, along with the rotation of the pictures and the placement of one behind the other. I then added a song quote to appeal directly to fans, using the typography continuation from the pull quotes and main article heading. I am pleased with the way this effect looks on the page and creates a good visual effect to liven up the content of the text.  

Double Page Spread Progression

Today I solely worked on the content, layout and aesthetics of the double page spread for my music magazine. Having already drafted up a rough copy of the writing content of the article, I was able to proof read the draft as I typed it into columns on the double page spread. As I was doing this, I played around with font types of the typography, in order to find one most aesthetically suitable to the article and the other fonts used on the page already. After deciding on a font that mimics an old-fashioned typewriter style, I then adjusted the margins of the height and widths of the text columns, in order to create the best visual layout across the 2 pages. Using the placement of the main image, I decided to carry over the surplus text to the right hand page and place it underneath the image. After looking more closely at the layout, I decided to add some text in the form of a caption for the image, which relates to the nature of the article and also add some brighter, more emphasised pull quotes in amongst the text columns, which is a common magazine convention I have found from previous research in the magazine industry. By adding these quotes in identical typography to the main article title, I was aiming to create a good continuous visual image for the page spread. These quotes are dramatic and draw attention to the text, creating good readership. After editing the layout further, I then decided to fill up the negative space left over. (See next post) 

Early Stages of Double Page Spread Designing

I have been given a new deadline; to design and create a double page spread feature for my music magazine in the next fortnight. Based on this, I have begun the basic designing by opening a double page spread (2 A4 pages) in InDesign. Using the skills from my front cover, I used a similar top rectangle section with slanted edges to create a banner for the top of the page. This will house the main headline and tag line to go alongside it.

Using the image I edited earlier on in the project, I have been able to centre the theme of the article around Bon Jovi, a band I am a fan of and know a lot about, and also a band that have been in the music media spot light recently. I have created a fictitious story for the article, as it will take the form of an exclusive interview with the band members and new details about their supposed up-and-coming tour. I have drafted the article and will add it shortly to the page spread.

Front Cover Progressions

After looking more closely at the fine details of my magazine front cover, I decided to edit it further, using a new technique I have recently been taught and learnt. I used the original header rectangle in order to create a more edgy and visually effective banner for the top of the page, to hold the main cover-line and magazine name and issue date.

I also filled up some negative space on the page by splitting up the central cover line into two smaller cover-lines. I used text drop shadowing to draw attention to it and make it look more visually effective. As I was pleased with the outcome of this effect, I also used it on the central cover line. I think that the cover is now close to being finished, however there are still some minor things to edit to create the most visually dynamic cover that I can. 

Contents Page Progression

 I started by editing the layout and text mostly, I then asked for feedback on it, to give me some things to edit and work on further.

After receiving feedback on a printed draft copy of my contents page, I was able to take on board the ideas given to me and dramatically improve the aesthetics and layout of the page as a whole. 

First of all, I paid attention to the negative space on the page, and decided to fill it with images with a red background to make them stand out and relate to the front cover image. I used the strict 3-colour scheme as a continuation of the image, creating an identity for the magazine and it's name.

Alignment of the text with their corresponding page numbers was an issue raised, and due to this, I was able to use the 'character' side bar on InDesign to adjust the height and positioning of the typography, in order to make the lines parallel, creating a more dynamic visual effect. I also added a few more coverlines and page descriptions to create a more complete contents page. 

Double Page Spread Inspiration

Here I have collected some existing examples of double page spread articles and layouts from various new music magazines such as NME, Kerrang and Mojo. By looking at the content and layout of these articles, I can gain inspiration for my own double page spread, which I will start work on shortly. I have been able to draw up a rough flat plan sketch of a double page spread layout as it stands, which then enables me to draft write the article.
Here are the images of the existing page spreads:
Kerrang Magazine - I really like the layout, use of typography and the use of images on this page spread. I think it looks visually dynamic and I think this will provide the most inspiration for my own double page spread.

NME Magazine - This double page spread is very vibrant visually, which suits the nature of the target audience and also holds their reading attention. I like the use of bold font types through out the spread and I also like the way that the text columns are used to fit around the images and appear not too much writing, so that the target audience will be more likely to read a shorter article which holds their interest. Also, I think the side banner section on the right is effective, as it has different content to the main article, keeping up interest and content of the page.

NME Magazine - This example is also taken from NME magazine, and I really like the use of oversized typography to create the article title and main focus of the page. The use of an orange colour scheme also works well as it is vibrant, eye-catching and stands out from the rest of the content in particular. There is a lengthy amount of text on this spread, which I would avoid. The use of one full page image is also effective, however I may not use this element, as I would like the content to be a bit more inventive.