Bittbox in Using Typography to create Texture has pointed out ways to use features in Illustrator to create designs based on typography. Pointing out that fonts can be converted to a graphic via the type menu then selecting create outlines Bittbox goes on to suggest a number ways these can be manipulated such a using the pathfinder and exploring the transparenecy options.

These are just a few of the possibilities because once the type is converted to graphic you can apply any of the manipulation features available in illustrator. Apart from all the regular design tricks like repeating text, layering text and contrasting scale there are options to under the effects menu particularly things like twist in the distort and transform options or try stroking text with interesting brushes and setting the transparency of the stroke. Simply put treat it like you would any other graphic element in your work and you will see text with a fresh eye.