What's wrong with this???

[IslaScotts]

I think that looks good as well, but ultimately I think it is up to the client. Sometimes you just don't like the design. I have come across that a few times.

[StupidScript]

Yeah!

Start with the badge and background image from the first one, and use the Rockwell font instead of the Times font. Rockwell is more of a "fire fighter"-looking font, and the heroic image behind supports the vibe.

Make the bottom button typesize a little smaller than before, to give the words some breathing room (a tiny bit), and keep them separate buttons held together with a table instead of making an image map.

You thought the original design spoke to you, and the client felt the second treatment worked better for them, possibly because of the typeface choices. This might be a "common ground" solution you both could get behind.

And that's the sum total of my suggestion.

[capman1]

I appreciate the advice.

I think that the longer I do this, I will eventually have a portfolio or gallery that customers can choose from. This way they will know what a finished product may look like.

I do agree that it is what keeps the customer happy that's important. Keep 'em happy, and they should come back for more business.

Thanks again.

Matt B.

[phacker]

I think it's just a matter of taste. I think it's a good design, but probably not what they are looking for at the moment. Another example of when interviews and converstation can make the design process go smoother in the long run.

[WhiZzkid]

To me that header looks perfect and I have no idea why a fire department would not want a professional corporate header.

Surely they wouldn't want people thinking that they are a mickey mouse outfit(as in a joke of a department).

Anyway just said I'd give my opinion!

Anthony