Observations: Layers

David Carson-Don't mistake legibility for communication. In this example, David Carson is using typography as layers. The build up and layering of the repeated typographic message builds a distressed looking field of black color in which the word legibility lives.

Ray Gun-This is a spread taken from Ray Gun magazine. Layering is a staple within the design style of this magazine. Emotion created from text and image are the driving force...with legibility taking a back seat. This being the priority, there are many overlapping layers..either blocking portions of text or blocking image. Also, they use lower contrast text color against background color...this reduces the legibility even more and is completely opposite of traditional marketing strategies.They make you work a little more when reading the articles...which I think engages the viewer more and makes the interaction a more intimate experience.