No crackle. I vote 2, too.

I like #1 because of the texture.

I'll go #2

I like them both, but the second one - that I admit I found initially more appealing - looks like what you see everywhere - very smooth and digital. The first one's texture effect makes it look less common, i.e., much more distinctive and unusual - but still retains the beauty of the design. My vote is for No. 1.

Are the backgrounds going to be as large as they are in your snapshot? They are very similar in design, but the magnification :iSm: shows detail that makes #1 look a bit messy. Will the background remain black as well?

I'm bucking the trend, but I prefer #1.

Must clarify. On their own #2 is preferable to me but "background" implies usage in relation to a foreground. Preference could easily change depending on what it was behind, including finding neither particularly good.

(1) looks like it needs some moisturizer.

Sorry to break radio silence, but SusieAnne Krellingshaw said that she wanted me to tell you that she liked #1 better because she found it more tasteful.

-The Stoat.