Design Decision Dilemma

I'm doing the artwork for the Town of Mosman Park's Art Awards 2010 (and beyond).

It's theme and name is Between River and Sea and the brief was 'do whatever you like, I trust you'.
Always a bit scary! Too much scope!

So in my usual style (which doesn't feel like work) I headed to the beach to gather shells, and collected objects that were sea-ish. Then I went to the river and walked the shoreline for more inspiration.

I like how things evolve, you have an idea which was 'make the word sea from shells and the word river from... not sure...' and so I decided on peppermint tree leaves. But it didn't look good and so I thought of rope because along the shore line, nestled between rocks were random lengths of rope. Plus it looks a bit river-like too. Wouldn't have got that idea if I hadn't ventured into the location.

So here was my idea:

And I wasn't sure I liked it once I did it. So I went for a jog...

I like how as I get into my second wind my creative brain starts to jog too. I actually believe that the body is flowing better and therefore the inspiration factory is more productive, and I like the idea that if 'god' is to credit for my ideas then I am better at channelling them when my body is a clear flowing vessel! But I digress...

I had this other cooler vision for two shapes overlapping and the space between being the 'awards'. It's more conceptual and to me it seemed like a design other designer's would like. And this is how it ended up:

I'm excited by the colours and the potential of imagery to be placed in the two 'squares' where river and sea overlap. These can evolve from year to year.

I sent them both to the client who said "I can't decide! Can you choose which you think is best?"

Isn't that what all designers want to hear? Ack! I just can't quite make the call though.

So can you give me your opinion (and why perhaps)?

[current mood] Carob Coconut Yum Yums & Attempting to dance to The Mountain Goats

Comments

[Gene]

Hey Nat
I like concept 2 with the 'space between' quite a lot more than the first.
As you said - it has great potential for changes year after year. The colours and images could be different each time and you could really use the shapes to your advantage.
That's me.
Geno

[Amy]

Hey Nat
I agree with Geno and also would say that the second reflects the local area's vibe better... Mossie's has quite a diverse demographic and whilst I love the first one, I think the raw-ness of the second is more suited.
Hope you're well and enjoying your time in Perth - can't wait to hear about Ubud, and I'm enjoying your recommended read :) A