Q Double Page Spread Research

The Q double page spread focuses on Jay Z which will help me understand how an article of a rapper is created without using all the conventions of a rap magazine. The image of Jay Z takes up one page of the double page spread like the NME one did, this enforces his identity on the article. He is wearing black sunglasses along with a black t-shirt. This is consistent with his overall image, he is known for wearing 'all black everything'. The sunglasses completely conceal his eyes and give a feeling that there are many things that remain untold about him and could possibly be told in the article. The sunglasses also add emphasis to his trademark mouth and lips which have helped make his career and fortune, which is then reinforced by his necklace being a symbol of wealth. The image also appears like the Obama campaign poster suggesting similarities between the two world figures. It relates to some of Jay Z's songs about trying to achieve equality, power and wealth as a black American.  Telling so much information through the image adds significance to the article and makes the reader want to find out more. It also adds a lot of attention to the artist themselves and their personality making them the centre of attention. Concentrating on portraying information through my photography will be one of my aims in order to add the same effect Q do. The image is cast with a red wash effect on his right shoulder, as well as red being the colour of the Q logo, it also has connotations of passion, love and blood. The other side is white which has connotations of purity and cleanliness, suggesting Jay Z is now tainted and his purity is disappearing as he has now sold his unsavoury past through music. This adds an insight to the story inside the article and draws the reader in to want to find out more about the life of the world superstar. Like the last feature this can only be understood by fans of Jay Z making it personal for them and letting the article appear with knowledge and relevance. The large red J behind the text is a mirror image of the Q logo, however it is made into a J because the interview is about 'Jay Z'. The text used is classy and upper-end which reflects the qualities of Jay Z and the conventions of Q magazine. Across the double page spread Jay Z and other key words are in a red font to add the connotations of power, passion and then Q magazine. For my magazine I will add conventions of my magazine design to the article and help it link to the artist. However I don't want to go as far as Q have as I want to bring all the attention of the double page spread to the artist.