personally i prefer your old avatar. the only thing i could think to make it better would to be replace the background with the background of the new one / your current one. i really like the background of the new one but it doesn't have the shine like your other two and especially not like your first one, witch i really like. Also, what program do you use to make these?
I can't really vote on any particular 1 of the presented designs. Here's my thoughts: 1. The first design has more 'pop' in contrast with the outline of the 'S', which is appealing. However, the center portion of the 'S' may be a bit too flat. Perhaps include more differential gradients/shine streaks? 2. The second design has a much more expressionistic 'S', which conveys more personality than the first 'S' does. The shortcomings are the overdone noise of the far right of the 'S' (looks too digitally, not metallic) and less contrast of the foreground with the background. My suggestion would be to incorporate the second 'S' with the metallic treatment done on the first 'S' and a more 'pop' background. 3. The third design has strong energy going on in the central part of the 'S'; the treatment is a very nice touch. As for making the design work in a smaller form (i.e. avatar)--bear in mind that throughout the creation process, for any mark, to reduce it in size to check that vital elements don't become obscure. Sometimes simplifying elements (such as too grainy of a background) will help other primary elements to 'pop' more in the composition. Just my thoughts!
I think I prefer the first one. The blue one is also really cool, though. I don't really like your current avatar, the second one that much. Zoomed out it's better, but I still do not like it very much.
