"My brother-in-law is a graphic designer in New York City" oh yay...

[jtiii]

Customer comes in, has existing business but is adding asphalt work and plans to make it his main business. Has a lot of copy he wants to put on 500 2C 24"x16" poly bag signs. He brought business card art and wanted a similar look. I give him this -

He approves it and then 3 hours later texts "Don't order those signs!!"
His wife's brother designs billboards and makes six figures in Noo Yoak City, and he threw a fit AT EASTER when he found out that my customer wasn't having him design his signs. Like his sister and his father-in-law were even pissed at him. Not even to charge him mind you, purely for his ego. The dude was especially pissed because I had modified (deconstructed really) the logo he had designed for my customer.
The next day my customer says "Just use this and go ahead with the order".

 

[Signarama Jockey]

So, he's never done this business before and wants to go pro. How good can a double V be at plowing and hot crack fill?

 

[Boudica]

It's cleaner. I actually like the in-law's version better. sorry!

 

[BigNate]

I like the in-laws version better visually - but to get the important info across in a sign, the first one tells you everything where it cannot be missed.

 

[Gino]

Not me. At the size being made, nothing but the phone number looks like it'll be more than an inch tall, if that. Ya won't know who or what you're calling. All that wasted space on the upper half is ridiculous. The guy doesn't know or understand balance. He's used to everything becoming 1,000% larger. He's no sign designer, that's for sure. As for the OP's version, just don't go out to all four edges of the face and use a different, more substantial type style for the main header.

 

[weyandsign]

99% of people will drive past that and not read any of it.

 

[Gino]

Yeah, his brother-in-law will look at it and give a thumbs up. He'll hafta get outta the car and walk up to it to read it, but he'll like it.

 

[Gettin'By]

Bottom one looks more like a fridge magnet than a sign to me. Logo's the biggest thing on it like I'm already familiar with the company and just need to scan the fridge and find the contact info. But the what you do and why I might want to contact you in the first place is just about the smallest thing on it and no one will read it walking or driving by. For this purpose, I prefer the OP's version on top.

 

[White Haus]

You had me at hot crack fill. Maybe boy genius from NYC can design some sweet illegible signs for my buddy's paving company too.

 

[MikePro]

Nuuuh Yolk City?!? I hear they got some good salsa.

that being said, I can't hate on said designer for pushing a little brand-recognition. ...now run with it and offer some graphics to slap on his car doors or a stencil to powerwash/chalkspray onto sidewalks.

 

[Boudica]

I read "poly bag" and thought this was more of a packaging thing than a sign... then I googled poly bag and it's just a yard sign?
I still say a prominent logo and phone number are really the most important to be noticeable at a glance. And for this type of business I think that's what it needed. What do I know though. Maybe Hot Crack Fill should be the biggest thing on the sign. I just think the first version is busy looking and I notice nothing at a glance.

 

[Gettin'By]

"Hot Crack Fill" would get my attention better than a logo, one way or the other. lol

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Notarealsign guy will see "hot crack fill" and call that phone number so fast

 

[Geneva Olson]

It's cleaner. I actually like the in-law's version better. sorry!

me too. easier to read.

 

[MJ-507]

The OP's version looks kind of generic and FastSigns-ish. The in-law's version may be harder to read, but it looks more professional, presents a better image than a bunch of words in a box, and will be more successful at catching the viewer's eye.

 

[Ray Miller]

I took a stab at this. I like both, but the OP's much more.

 

[Boudica]

I think the thing I like best about brother in-law's version is how the contact info is isolated in the white. It really stands out and it's the first thing I see.

 

[weyandsign]

The in-law's design is good for a business card. 1/2" tall letters aren't readable on a yard sign, unless they are bolder and spaced out more. Even then it's going to be hard for a passer-by to read it. But I would do what the customer wants, just mention that it may be hard to read and let them decide.

 

[Johnny Best]

You had me at "hot crack fill".

 

[MelloImagingTechnologies]

Hot crack fill is hilarious!
Logo should be a huge weener!