The document discusses conventions used in double page spreads in music magazines like NME. It notes that headlines are always used to introduce articles and large, prominent images are featured. Text is typically placed in a column on the bottom right in a simple, readable font. Layouts are tailored to each article but maintain a consistent style. Images cover more than half the page to draw readers in and connect them to the topic. Both simple and more elaborate designs are used depending on the article. Together, these elements create NME's recognizable rock and roll brand identity.

1. Double Page Spread Overview

2. When it comes to their double page spreads NME keep
a consistency through their layout and style of the
images and text, however when it comes to the design
of the double page spread NME makes sure that it suits
the article they are featuring.
Main conventions that are featured on double page
spreads of music magazines will be the headlines,
every double page spread needs a headline to
introduce the article, such as an artist would have a
headlining band at a concert that gets the crowd
warmed up for their performance. Main images are
always needed as well as it gives the magazine a
chance to present the artist however way it wants to,
to the audience which sets them up for the article they
are about to read
On the above double page spreads you can see that
the text has been placed on more than likely the
bottom right hand side of the page and written in the
same fonts with black colouring. With this simplistic
design of the text it makes it easier for the reader to
enjoy what their reading without having to focus hard
due to the mix of crazy colours or the page being too
packed with irrelevant information, NME know what
their readers like. Keeping the text in a column style

3. keeps a sophisticated edge to the magazine to show
that it’s not all about the main image, but what the
article holds. Whenever there is text on the page is
focused on a white background making it stand out
more and have the reader be easily drawn towards it,
as well as this it also makes the double page spreads
look a lot more professional and legit rather than a
more spaced out article.
NME tend to make every single double page different
when it comes to the design as you can see above,
each colouring of the headline and the style and
positioning its created in suits the band or artist that is
featured on the page. Though different they all are,
they are all extremely eye catching and ooze interest,
making it hard for a reader to ignore the
interview/article. Without the interesting and relevant
headlines the reader may not have been as interested
in the spread, by seeing something you enjoy looking
at with relevant colours and images it makes it more
likely that as a reader you would continue to read the
rest of the spread. However they can never be
considered “too much” as even though they are
interesting they are simplistic and sophisticated, and of

4. course the target audience are males so this would
work in NME’s favour.
What unites every single one of these double page
spreads are the large and direct images that are
displayed, they cover more than half of the page on
most of them. This is a clever technique, as a reader
would study the image first of all then become hooked,
drawing them in to read the spread. By having such
large images that the audience can relate too, allows
the readers to connect with the spread as they will
more than likely know who they are reading about,
instantly making them more intrigued. NME doesn’t
always use smaller related images, from above you can
see three do, and three don’t. This shows NME knows
how to “mix things up” and create a change rather
than having the same features every single issue. An
article that has more writing and information is more
likely to not have related images as it may distract the
audience from what they are reading, however with
articles that aren’t featuring much text the maximum
of four images could be presented to keep the reader
interested and allowing them to enjoy what they are
reading more by allowing them to see “exclusive
pictures”.

5. All of these points reinforces NME’s “rock n roll” look
as well as creating a brand identity which allows any
reader to point out a copy of NME at any magazine
stall.