Why I Use a Play Icon as My Logo

When I first started building my website and branding mockups back in 2012, I included a play icon in my header banner: a simple triangle pointing to the right, highlighting my name at the top of the page. It felt like a natural fit at the time, and nearly 13 years later, it’s still here. The symbol has stuck with me through countless projects and career milestones, and over time, its meaning has only deepened.

Not many VFX artists use a logo. So why bother? For me, having a personal brand is important. It’s a way to take ownership of my work and present it with clarity and intention. I want my work to feel authored, not soulless or anonymous.

Early portfolio site mockup (2012)

The triangle is more than just a symbol of playback. In 3D graphics, a triangle (three points creating a flat, two-dimensional face) is the most basic building block of geometry. Every complex shape on screen is made up of thousands, if not millions, of these simple forms. As someone who works in visual effects, that connection to the core structure of digital art feels deeply meaningful.

The word "play" also speaks to how I approach my work. So much of what I do involves experimentation, problem-solving, and creative exploration. It rarely feels like traditional work. More often, it feels like play. That sense of curiosity and flow is something I tap into with every new challenge.

Play logo as it appears in my reel

And of course, the play icon is commonly used for video. Platforms like Google and YouTube have extended the symbol far beyond its original use in media controls. But I believe my connection to the symbol runs deeper than just video playback. For me, the icon represents more than the end result.

It’s a simple symbol that speaks to momentum, to starting something, to engaging with the creative process. And one that reflects a lot about how I work, what I value, and why I do what I do.