Research: DPS 3 (Q Cass McCombs)

The word Maverick compares the image since Cass McCombs looks very rugged and isn't clean shaven (this is most effective when the camera is of high resolution which gives a really sharp image). It looks as if he isn't very interested in the photo shoot taken in this studio setting. His eyes aren't focused on the camera which makes him appear very vacant and slightly distressed. This also links to the pull quote found at the bottom left of the picture saying that he has "slept on the streets and been hungry", his expression is perfect for showing how he has lived a harsh life and is zoned out of his life. His shirt coincidentally matches the colour of his eyes and his blazer matches the colour of his hair. This makes the magazine look quite minimalistic and makes it appear as if it revolves around a specific colour scheme. The dark grey/black background diminished readability but can make other colours stand out. Combined with red or orange, it gives a very aggressive colour scheme.

This is located at the
top of the page, above
the title, to inform the
readers who wrote the
article and who took
the picture.

This quote is a lead and looks and works in the same way as a stand first would since it tells the reader a little bit about the article without having to read the whole thing. By containing ellipsis
at the end of it, it creates suspense like the kind you'd see at the beginning of a movie. It says "Until now..." which makes the reader anticipate what is actually in the content of the article, thus making them want to read more. It contains a lot of complex and unusual words which intrigues the reader and reels them into wanting to read about his life especially now since all of this time he "has been loath to discuss his life". This makes it sound like an exclusive and presents an inside look at his life.

In my opinion this article is quite unusual since it offers a thoroughly in depth look into Cass McCombs life. James Oldham (the writer) writes all about his past and includes quotes from an interview he had with Cass. This, for me, doesn't correspond to Dyers theory that "a star is an image, not a real person" because the article is so in depth that it really expressed how Cass is as a person.

 This drop letter is written in sans serif which contrasts to the rest of the calligraphy in the article. It is also in a bold, blight red box which separates it from the rest of the writing which immediately draws your attention to the start of the paragraph, making you want to read it. Using a drop letter in this was is a great way to attract readers, especially using the colour red since it not only contributes to the house style of Q Magazine but also represents determination, courage and the word Maverick itself. However this could be polysemous as each person could represent the colour red in many different ways as Barthe's theorys suggests that "meanings vary according to interpretation".

 Cass' name is written in a really light grey colour and takes up half of page 63. This could imply that although Cass used to be very elusive and invisible he has still always been present. It is written in sans serif with a gigantic font and is text wrapped around a text box. It has also been layered underneath of a box-out which tells the reader that this DPS is included in a series of biographical articles that inform the readers about an artists life before fame. The kerning between the letters is quite tight but still equal. It is written in. Personally I think that this is a great way to portray the artist because the title really stand out by being so big and eye-grabbing, however the one thing I would change is the deepness of the colour because it still looks a bit too light in my opinion.

From the way the columns are laid out you san straight away tell how the article is meant to be read through the use of gutters. It is split into thirds which makes it seem like it is easier to read.

Q's house style is represented through the magazine with the colour red. This is clearly shown on this DPS since the drop capitals match the Q on the front cover. If I were to scan though the magazine I would find that many of the pages would have been adapted to fit this and the synergy would be present throughout.

This little icon is located at the bottom right hand side of the DPS to act as a sign to tell the reader that the article is continued on the next page.

• The Medium of this article is a double page spread printed for Q Magazines 'Maverick' series of new artists.
• The Domain is informing the reading on how Cass McCombs got his start and explains how miserable his life was before he found music. It reflects on his past and tells the reader how he transformed from a hungry man living on the streets to a well off musician.
• The Tenor is that it is aimed at a target audience of people who enjoy alternative music. Since Cass is an artist who has experimented with a lot of genres such as punk, folk, country and soft rock he will have a wider TA than most other musicians. The age group would look like it would range from anyone (male or female) from 18+ as the colours are quite neutral and refined.
• A casual register is used in this article. James Oldham writes in a conversational tone in order to communicate with the reader on a personal level. He uses sophisticated language but makes it sound informal at the same time through the use of contractions

How this has influenced my planning and creativity:

• I like how on this DPS it has a really big title.
• This DPS is really good because I like how the gutters create symetry within the page.
• I like how the pull quote matches the expression on the artists face.