This document discusses various techniques used in page layout for magazines and newspapers. It describes techniques such as headlines, columns, cut-outs, datelines, page numbers, double page spreads, pull quotes, and drop capitals. The purpose of these techniques is to effectively present information to readers, guide them through articles, and draw their attention to key points and quotes. White space, borders, and other design elements are also discussed as ways to make content more visually striking and easy to read.

1. Page Layout
Task 1
Patrick Gouldsbrough

2. Headline/Header – While
the main function of the
header is to draw the
audience to read the
article, it’s also there to
give information on the
subject. This can come in
many forms, whether it’s
alliteration, a quote or
word play, the headline
must draw the consumer
in, or risk a decrease in
viewership.
Column – This is a way of splitting
up the text so it’s not written in
lines across the double page
spread. However, even columns
don’t look effective when they
aren’t split up by a pull
quote/crosshead.
Cut-out – This refers to the removal
of a background of a photograph.
The background is then replaced by a
coloured background. This technique
is effective when contrasted with a
monochrome photograph (like in this
example)
Dateline – Helps the
consumer identify when
the article was written.
This will then allow the
producer to archive it and
then view it when writing
future articles on the
same subject, which will
allow a past perspective
on the story.
Portrait orientation – Even
though the double page
spread together is set out in a
landscape manner, the article
is orientated the same way as
the cover page, not written
long ways across the page.
Page number – This technique
is used so the article can be
easily found amongst the
pages within the media
product. The contents page
will list what’s inside and
makes the article you want
easy to find.
Double page spread – A
popular layout with
magazines, which allows the
producer to have a full page
photograph, instead of trying
to fit them on the same one
page layout.
Strap line – some headers
don’t give out much
information about the story
because they sometimes
convey enigma. The Strap-
line is there to ensure
information about the
article is communicated to
the consumer.
Drop capital – Each
article, or sometimes
paragraph. in a
newspaper/magazine
starts with a capital to
stand out and is a
identifiable way of
telling the consumer
where one paragraph
stops and another
begins.
White space – Is viewed as a
technique that makes the article look
bare and the writer look like he can’t
think of anything to write. However, in
this case, the white space is used to
make the black and red heading more
effective and striking to the consumer.
Pull quote – A quote pulled
out of the text, that
attempts to hook the
consumer into reading the
article. This this quote is
usually humorous or
controversial, so the
consumer will want to read

3. Header – Like I stated on
the previous page, the
header may include a
quote. This may include a
pull quote or a separate
quote. A separate quote
will generate more
interest because it doesn’t
feature in the anchored
article.
Double page spread – Like
most magazine cover stories,
this one is a double page
spread. Again, it allows an
alone picture to take up one
page.
Columns – These columns, at
first glance, look boring and
aren’t broken up by pull quotes.
However, the blobs and stars on
the drop capital allow the article
to still remain as effective.
Dateline – It doesn’t give the
exact date, but it gives the
month and year of the
product, due to the magazine
been produced monthly. While
you won’t be able to archive it
to an exact date, categorising
articles in months will still
suffice.
Page number – It has
the same function as the
previous example I
analysed, it helps you
find articles easily using
the content page.
Portrait orientation – It is
unusual for a media product
to be landscape orientated,
due to the ease of reading it
without tilting the media
product been detracted
when in landscape form.
Crosshead/pull quote – It helps
draw the audience to the text,
especially with a quote like the
one featured, due to the
controversial nature of the man
being interviewed, Liam Gallagher.
Strap line – Due to the header
not giving much of the article
away, it is paramount that the
strap line does help the
consumer identify the subject
and topic of this article.
Blobs and stars – This feature
helps certain aspects of the article
stand out. In this particular
example, the things that stand out
include:
•The box around the drop capital
•Names
•Header and strap line
•Pull quote
Drop capital – The drop
capital on the article
doesn’t have to be large,
like the previous example,
but this one uses another
technique (see blobs and
stars)
Reverse – The dark
photograph means that the
text couldn’t be dark also,
this is why a reverse has
occurred. A white text type
has been added to contrast
the dark background, thus
furthering the effectiveness
of the article.
Border – A border helps to highlight
an item or article. This technique
features twice in the example. The
white stripe at the bottom of the
page, allows a contrast with the dark
coloured article and borders the
piece, while the second border is
around the image on the top right,
which allows the image to be
highlighted to the consumer.