Legibility

In Visual communication, Legibility is a very important aspect of design, when choosing the font size for different typefaces. When considering legibility, the use of colour, typeface, imagery, and layout are factors that will determine if your text will be legible or illegible.

http://www.davidcarsondesign.com/t/

Text doesn’t have to be legible, sometimes it’s purposely done to reinforce a message that the imagery portrays, or to make it more of a challenge for viewers to decode the design and discover the meaning. David Carson is famously known for pushing boundaries and breaking rules through the use of typography by the way it's composed. 

This poster that's been designed by David Carson for a surf festival, is still successful even though the some of the typography would be considered illegible as parts of the typefaces are hard to read due to weak contrast in certain areas and overlapping text.

I personally think this poster works effectively and communicates the message to viewers, as the imagery helps give a clearer understanding with the typography what the poster is trying to convey. The composition of the layout has been balanced effectively. A visual hierarchy has being implemented, making your attention being drawn to the typography first, giving you a challenge to work out and discover the message. The surf board being placed in the centre as a clue , with the background being a natural beach location, helps give a clear indication this poster is promoting an aspect of surfing. 

The informal typefaces that have been chosen, purposely to create a playful atmosphere of fun and excitement, implying what it may feel like to surf. With the range of typefaces selected, it creates a much more friendly approach towards the poster inviting you to come to the surf film festival in Spain.

http://www.itproportal.com/2012/10/23/virgin-boasts-new-customer-record-following-bolt-farah-ad-campaign/

With Virgin's advertising campaign, a clear strong message has been delivered to promote the broadband service, through legibility and imagery. The aligned san-serif typeface being bold and clean cut, helps the typography be clear and visible, catching the public's attention.

Sometimes font sizes are chosen to give purpose or meaning. Having a particular part of text in much bolder bigger lettering, will attract more attention, but perhaps it’s intentionally done to give emphasis on the meaning of words. 

With the poster having the first few words in a much larger bolder type face, helps create a hierarchy of text. The hierarchy of text makes it easier for readers to digest the information, by being more experimental with the type size. 

The imagery of Olympic Champions Mo Farah and Usain Bolt represents what Virgin is all about, as they're dedicated to delivering fast speeds. Mo Farah implies you need to 'keep up' with virgin as there constantly doubling speeds. This strong imagery has been included with the text to reinforce the message of what virgin has to offer, and help the text become more meaningful to the public so it communicates effectively.

The advertising campaign has been so successful in getting customers to join Virgin, because the message through advertising has been communicated clearly, as the public have taken action upon it. The use of clear legible fonts against a strong contrasted background throughout the campaign, is the reason along side with the meaningful imagery, the message has connected with the public, which is why they've responded.