Streaming Silently, Designing Loudly
Back in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I joined many others in exploring livestreaming as a creative outlet. I wasn’t aiming for fame or monetization—though the thought was tempting. It was more about doing something I already loved: gaming.
To make the most of it, I created my own brand identity—what eventually became the Tabitabbypo logo design. Even before going live, I knew I wanted a visual system that felt minimal but playful, something that could represent me beyond just my real name.
The Evolution of the Tabitabbypo Brand Identity
“Tabitabbypo” wasn’t just a quirky name. It was a living brand that evolved over time across platforms and intentions:
Tabitabs GCG
For Games, Comics, and Geekery. Originally a separate content section on my site, but later merged back into my main portfolio for clarity.
Tabitabs Plays
A label for my silent game streams—no camera, no commentary, just play.
- Tabi: A shorthand visual I used for overlays and video graphics.
- Tabi x Bebi: A fun offshoot for gaming collabs with my wife.
Where the Name Tabitabbypo Came From
The name was personal. Back when we were dating, my wife used to call me “Tabitabs” (a teasing nod to my plumpness). I later referred to my tablet as “Tabitabby,” which then evolved into “Tabitabbypo”—a playful, Filipino-coded homage to the phrase tabi-tabi po. It gave the brand a uniquely local and creative personality.
How I Designed the Tabitabbypo Logo
The branding for TABITABS is both playful and functional. I wanted it to be minimalist, but not bland. The palette was loosely inspired by the PlayStation controller buttons—each one visually distinct, designed to trigger emotion and recognition. The layout was made to be read even without “reading,” almost like symbolic UI.
@tabitabbypo on Instagram
Now the active home for my art and geekery updates.
I designed the letters entirely from scratch using Adobe Illustrator, keeping legibility in mind even when the viewer wasn’t actively trying to read the word. The goal was to create symbols that could be read visually, almost iconically.
Why I Didn’t Stick with Streaming
Even though the Tabitabbypo logo design was ready to go, the actual streaming never became consistent. A few reasons:
- No fixed schedule – I played when I wanted, not on demand.
- Environmental noise – At the time, we lived beside EDSA. Post-pandemic, we moved, but now it’s dogs and roosters.
- Poor internet stability – Streaming wasn’t always viable, so I resorted to uploading recordings when I could.
- Gaming inconsistency – I tend to hop between games based on mood. Not great for serialized content.
Despite all that, the brand lived on—and honestly, I’m glad it did.
Final Thoughts
I may not have become a streamer, but I did build something I’m proud of: a personal brand that felt honest, fun, and uniquely mine. Today, the Tabitabbypo logo design is more than just a visual experiment—it’s a quiet reminder that design can carry stories, even when the stream goes silent.
