Magazine Double Page Spread Elements

After doing some research into common conventions of double page spreads I have found that these vary a lot but have come up with a last of conventions which are usually, but not always used.

• 3 columns per page. Sometimes there are 2 or maybe 4 columns however in my own work I think 3 columns looks the neatest, most organised and least dense so doesn't put the reader off.
• A dominant image conveying the subject of the article through use of costume, hair, makeup and props. 
• Pull quotes highlighting phrases that are particularly appealing and possible relatable to audience.
• Article title which is intriguing and has visual impact based on the font size, style and colour, enigma codes, puns or shock tactics.
• A good introduction to the copy is needs: a strap-line under the header might explain teaser or add further information to draw in the reader or alternatively a kicker is used to hook the reader in and is denoted in larger or bold type-face.
• Drop caps are a convention always used, to guide the reader to the start of the text.
• An effective element in injecting dynamism and energy into the layout is text elements being at quirky angles, usually diagonal.
• The colour palette is limited, often in harmony with the colours in the image and house style of the rest of the magazine.
• Overall the composition is important, the narrative flow of the text and images should guide the readers eyes in the right direction.
• The font choices vary, a copy font is utilised for the main body of the article whereas a display font is used for titles, strap-lines and pull quotes.

Another thing to consider in creating a double page spread, is the primary codes in language use.

• Narrative style - 1st/2nd/3rd person.
• Pace - fast/slow/dynamic (through use of punctuation)
• Voice - male/female/deliberate/sensuous/powerful
• Type of Language - colloquial/formal/repetitive/use of slang/assonance/alliteration/sibilance/tabloidesque

I will try to incorporate and consider as many of these general conventions as I can in my own product.