The eye flow of this particular double spread is unusual because it opts to have a

majority of text on the left side. However the bright colour of the Drop Cap and the

sidebar encourage us to drift to the left page. The use of light colours on the left

page also encourage us to look at it.

Side bars are common in double page

spreads because they make them busier

and add valuable information to the page.

Large text sections are often daunting for

casual readers and wide bars allow for the

large blocks of writing to be broken up. Side

bars also allow for information to be

delivered to the audience without

compromising the journalism. Often when

magazines have articles on an artist they

will use the side bar to add additional

information about the artist or even similar

artists. This particular sidebar features

information about a performance by Jimmy

Hendrix and slots alongside a photo. It is

almost an explanation for the image

choice. These sidebar also often feature

pictures, such as the album cover here.

Commonly in almost every type of magazine Drop caps

are used as a way of starting the article. The drop cap in Guitar Wold is particularly prominent because it is used to

draw the eye away from the opposite page. The Drop

Cap symbolises the start of the article and if often what causes the reader to divert their eyes to the article.

Slug’s were originally designed so

editors could see the section of the magazine that the article was

intended for. However they are

also used as guides for readers. They can range from small headers

to large logos.

Pictures in double page spreads are very important for aiding the article and also retaining attention. When being exposed to large passages of text readers can be inclined to move on. Pictures and colours are used to ensure that attention is paid to the article. The large image of Hendrix is provocative and also demands attention. As the readership of guitar World idolize Hendrix because he is seen as a pioneer of the rock rebellion, hence why this large photo makes the article more interesting. The picture has been placed on the right page, which is usually where the eyes are drawn to straight away. By having a picture of someone viewed as iconic by a majority of the readership of the magazine the article instantly becomes more interesting. The prospect of reading about Jimmy Hendrix entices the audience to look over at the less regarded left page which contains the bulk of the article. Similarly the pictures on the left page are of a comity who judged Jimmy Hendrix’s best performances, all of them are rock music royalty in their own right, and therefore by having these big names photographed together it makes the judgment presented in the article more trustworthy and interesting.

The large picture of

Hendrix, used to draw attention to the

article.

The sidebar too

is lined with photos of

Hendrix. All of

this is to keep the reader fixed

to the page.

I like the idea of having an introductory double page to my feature because I feel it really sets up the article. By

putting in an introductory page it symbolises the importance of the artist. With Jimmy Hendrix, because he had such

a massive contribution to the genre he deserves to have a double page simply to introduce him. I particularly like

the graphic style of this double page ad that is something I would like to carry into my own spread. The graphical

approach often makes the article more readable. The more something stands out in a magazine the more

appealing it becomes.

The main thing I like about these double pages are their use of

colour. The front cover of the magazine featured a predominantly purple base and pink kickers. Hendrix himself

was also pictured in a purple jacket. This colour has also been

carried through to the double page itself making it instantly associated with Hendrix. The connotations for the colour

purple, especially in the era Hendrix performed in, were

significant and so by using it here the magazine is instantly associating themselves with Hendrix. Hendrix’s clothes are also

light purple and so fit with the scheme. Colour is used very

appropriately to divert the eye across the page, the large ‘D’ drop cap instantly draws the eye to the often lesser used left

page. Similarly the almost trail of pictures guides the eye back

onto the right. I like this drop cap because I feel it clearly sets about the start of the article. The side bar is also very nice and

subliminal because it is barley noticeable yet very effective in

both moving the eye and conveying information. The graphical quality of these pages is what I will most try to

emulate.