DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD OVERVIEW

DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD OVERVIEW

All of the double page spreads are from VIBE, so they have all been designed with the intention of attracting fans from the Hip Hop/RnB musical genre. Through carrying out this investigation and by comparing them to each other, it will then be possible to identify if there are any shared features within them and then to establish particular repeated patterns.

The six double page spreads chosen feature the same layout that the artist dominates 50-60% of the spread. They do not all feature headlines as the article may not have started on this page. However there is always a caption under the main image to indicate who had taken the shoot. 

There are other repeated patterns such as only one artist being featured as there are rarely any current groups within the Hip Hop/RnB genre. The artist dominates both of the pages due to their image however this does not have to be due to a whole page being dedicated to them. The LaLa Anthony issue is dominated by her due to the celebrity being the main focus of both page however The Ciara issue has not got half a page devoted to her but she is posing nude which instantly will attract the readerships attention. There are different ways to creating the audience’s attention and vibe carries these ways out perfectly.

Throughout the six covers the only similarities shown are that the image should dominate the article, and that the article fits around the image. This reinforces the element of uniqueness within each issue. The Solange Knowles issue is occupied by a strip of images containing the artist alone in different poses. Accompanied by one image on the second page shown in full colour. Providing the Readership to see her as a ‘standing out’ character. The artist portrays herself as childlike by the way she has chosen to pose with her hands behind her back, which enforces an innocent theme. This is reinforced by the strip of childlike poses along the top half of both pages. Perhaps she is claiming to be reborn with her music she is producing.

Colour wise VIBE has no strict structure. However the magazine tends to lean towards a simplistic look as six out of the six double spreads shown have either a black or white background. This can show a statement that much like the colours the Hip Hop/ RnB genre is original; that no matter how much it changes it will always be known for this. Although the Solange issue shows the artist in an orange dress this is to portray the musician as different and to make her stand out as previously said.

The layout is consistent as mentioned earlier; on each of the six double page spreads the artist fulfils each shot. And the name of the photographer is given within the last third.

The article looks similar within each issue due to the font and font size. The font is sans serif to create a friendly tone, and the font is small allowing the accompanied image to dominate the page.

Another  similarity is the same text is placed in either the left hand or right hand corner of page, which reads out ‘VIBE’ reinforcing the brand identity allowing the readers to understand in addition to identify the magazine. Creating a close bond between the magazine and the readership.

In addition to this, the ratio of male to female within this genre is very much equal. This establishes that both genders are as important as the other within the musical world. However males are portrayed as masculine; the 50 Cent issue shows the artist as fierce as he is wearing a balaclava which is an item you associate with violence much like the Hip Hop stereotype. The rappers muscles grab the readerships attention keeping up the masculine tone. Whereas Ciara has taken the pose of a sexual object which is the main imagery of women within the RnB and Hip Hop world. This is shown through her stance she has posed in the nude, with the attention zoomed at her figure. This introduces a sexual tone and reinforces the stereotype of women.

Having carried out this overview, it is clear that VIBE has its own brand identity that is easily recognised by its audience. This is maintained through repetition stylistic and layout features within each issue. These are all features that will allow the magazine to sell and succeed.