Double Spread Feature Article Research

 Although I've mentioned some information on double-page feature articles, I don't think I fully even know what will need to be done for one. So, today's journey is researching exactly what elements are in a double-page feature article and what I would like to make my  feature article about. 

I'm using the first website linked in the resources down below as my main source of information because it's specifically created for Media Studies students. 

• Verso and Recto: According to the magazine, the double-page spread is split into two sections: Verso (page on the left) and Recto (page on the right). Most of the time, the dominant page is on the recto. By conventions, all recto pages will be odd numbered and all verso pages will be even numbered. 

• Gutter: The crease between the verso and recto is known as the gutter, and it is left blank so that no important information is missed. 
• Bleed: When something goes across the gutter, it is known as bleed. For example, the background of the spread above. 
• Images: You must have a primary image, which is the first image that the viewers see. In this case, the primary image is Justin Bieber. Secondary images are also used, but not in the example above. 
• Headlines: The largest letters, usually on the top of the page, is the Headline. Subheadings are also used in order to section information.
• Kicker: Underneath the main headline is the kicker, which is about 4 lines of text that are about the celebrity and capture the readers attention.
• Main Copy: The main copy is the main block of text which is the article or story. The size is usually 10px. While it can be 12px, which appears to a younger audience, it might look silly to an older audience. 
• The main copy is usually split into columns. The columns are usually left aligned and have a ragged right edge in order to look sophisticated. 
• The space between the columns is the alley. It allows for readers to know when to move down to the next line. 
• The space between each line is called the lead, and the space between each letter is called the tracking.
• The large first letter is called the drop capital. It is used to catch the readers attention and signify that the article starts there.
• When the last line of the article contains only one word, it is called a widow. This should be avoided as it is considered a design flaw.
• The pull-quote is a quote that helps break up the columns of text. They also help sell the story. 
• The Byline is usually under the kicker, and it is used to acknowledge the writer of the article. You can also include photo credits. 
• The folio, found at the bottom of the page, is the page number sometimes accompanied by the magazine's logo.

That's about all the main elements of a double spread feature article. Thanks so much for tuning in, catch you later!

Resources:

https://media-studies.com/magazine-spread/