Which is better

[B.T.Klemensowsk]

I cant decide which one is better for my portfolio.

This is the winning design for a logo contest:


This is not the winner by my favorite:


What do you think?

I was told that the logo that won will get a lot of exposure, so should I pick based on that?

[resurepus]

Both are good. Why don't you keep the second next to the one that one as a "variation"?

[NancyCarter]

I like the first design better -- I prefer simplicity. Cute design.

[T Graphics]

I think the first one is good to use as a logo but I like the variation and could see it be expanded horizontally as a web banner for the company. Nice design.

[JuicedH23]

Definitely the first. For me the simpler the better (in most cases).

[ideamaker]

first one!

[Vovikus]

I like the 1st one.
Second is too complex. Anyway, main idea is really cute.

[B.T.Klemensowsk]

I cant decide which one is better for my portfolio.

This is the winning design for a logo contest:


This is not the winner by my favorite:


What do you think?

I was told that the logo that won will get a lot of exposure, so should I pick based on that?

Thanks everyone for the advice. Simplicity was the key in this one. This is the final logo.

[Vovikus]

Great! =)

[ipshwitz]

I'm definitely on the bandwagon for the first one. For the shear reason it has a more versatile usability than the second one. Without the filled in background, the first one will look so much more better on letterheads, colored backgrounds, etc. Also, the filled in background adds clutter to the design in my opinion and that takes away from the actual name.