Study Task 04 - How Do You Read? Figure/Ground

1a

Within this spread from Eye Magazine, the figure is identified by the body copy and pictures it surrounds. The ground is the active white space of which it sits on. The white space frames the figure giving it structure and forms the layout of the article. The active space and figure work together to give balance to the spread.

1b

Next is another article however the figure covers most of the ground. This creates a formal tone of voice and puts emphasis on the body copy instead of the images.

2a

2b

The following pages on the same article reflect how each page can either concentrate on image or body copy. The first spread utilises ample white space to draw the reader onto the images and has small figures within it to contrast. The second spread represents how ground doesn't necessarily have to be white space. It still does the same job despite the colour change. And much like Image 1b, the active space surrounding the body copy in Image 2b puts emphasis on the interview and creates a formal tone of voice. 

Above is another example of different colour ground and emphasis on body copy.

To compare I took some pictures of the MOBO awards magazine. Unlike Eye Magazine, the active space borders the body copy and images. Along with that there is a clear title that starts the article, giving the readers a vague idea of the following content. The title also is given ample white space to draw focus on the page. The use of figure in the middle of the body copy breaks up the monotony and adds emphasis on that particular text. 

The stock in both publications differ. In Eye Magazine the stock is thicker and more robust, giving a more professional, mature and higher quality feel. The stock in MOBO magazine is thinner and glossier, appealing more towards the mass market.