DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD ANALYSIS: USHER

This double page spread follows general and layout conventions by using the main image of the artist on one side and the test on the other allowing the reader to see the image separately from the text. It also shows the same image on the front cover and contents page allowing continuity to be formed.

The image is of a low angle shot allowing the artist status and power and all eyes are on him. Usher wears a G-star denim shirt and a Rolex watch, reflecting celebrity lifestyle and the fact that he’s rich and famous. His watch is gold and gold reflect power and luxury. He also smokes a cigar which shows rebelliousness and power and relates to masculinity. This reflects the fact that he is in charge. This gives the representation of men dominating the world and being in charge.

His sleeves are rolled up suggesting that he’s ready for action. This also suggests rebelliousness and masculinity.

He looks kind of like a gangster, smoking a cigar, which relates to the magazine’s genre of rap as male rap artists normally follow this activity. Smoking is seen as a cool thing and boosts your confidence, so this shows that Usher is a confident person and relates to his personality.

He dominates the whole one side of the page which shows that it’s all about him which grabs the reader’s attention and gets them more involved in the magazine.

He looks as though he is sitting down in a room which suggests that he is in a relaxed position. His eyes are focused elsewhere telling the reader to read on for more. He tilts his head slightly showing us part of his face. Part of his face is shadowed out. Top lighting is also used to reflect the main artist and the fact that he plays an important role in the magazine. The mode of address anchors the meaning of the image by relating to the artist and relating to the image shown.

The test is subdivided into small paragraphs, allowing the reader to see the text clearly, creating a neat layout. There is a quote of an interviewing written alongside the picture allowing the reader to want to read on. This also grabs the reader’s attention and alerts them as to what is included in this magazine. Each

paragraph is displayed as a question, written in bold. The fact that it is written in bold allows the reader to identify that this part of the text is important and makes a clear layout for the magazine.

The texts are displayed in a column format, allowing the reader to read across the page, where the human eye naturally reads. There is no title on the page leading the reader to question what the magazine contains. The double page spread consists of an interview with Usher and fits the image displayed. The text is written in a nice, neat box format, creating a neat, readable layout and suggests that this is a formal magazine.

The magazine also relates to an older audience as the image shown relates to adulthood.

The layout of the double page spread different in each issue of the magazine, which although doesn’t maintain brand identity, it does allow differentiation.

The main colours which dominate the page are grey, white and black which are formal colours and go well together to create a perfect layout. The headings on the fonts are written in lowercase; also the rest of the text is in lower case which allows the reader to read the text clearly. This is an example of formal text. This gives the readership feel a personal connection with the artist. Not only are they able to see the image but they are also able to feel a connection with Usher himself as there is a full page about him. This also gives the reader the sense that they also feature in the magazine as the magazine is aimed at them.

The colours reflect the formal style of the magazine: black, grey and white and reflect a traditional approach.