YouTube Thumbnail Designer - FGC Discussion

BROAD SCOPE

We are hiring a Thumbnail Designer for a single gig. You will receive a brief with the video topic, title, and thumbnail concept, plus any specific requirements for what should appear in the image. You will design 3 YouTube thumbnails for each video. If a rough cut of the video is available, you will also receive that for additional context. If the work is strong, there may be future gigs.


OVERVIEW & DETAILS

The project is a YouTube channel focused on fighting game content. Videos cover gameplay, character guides, match breakdowns, and community ---------- nts from fighting games such as Tekken, Street Fighter, Guilty Gear, and similar titles. Thumbnails must grab attention in a crowded YouTube feed and clearly communicate what the video is about.

What you will receive:
- A brief with the video topic, title, and thumbnail concept.
- Any specific requirements for what should be included in the thumbnail (if applicable).
- A folder of style references showing the thumbnail look we are targeting.
- Game screenshots, character renders, or other visual assets when available.
- A rough cut of the video when it is ready in time. If the video is not ready, the brief alone is enough to start.

You will receive a Google Drive link with the brief, reference folder, and any available assets. All communication will be in written English.


CORE OBJECTIVES

- You are designing YouTube thumbnails for fighting game videos.
- You are delivering 3 finished thumbnails per video.


EXPANDED OBJECTIVES

- Design
- Match the thumbnail style shown in the reference folder.
- DO NOT USE AI
- Follow any specific requirements listed in the brief.
- Source clean, high-resolution game assets if additional visuals are needed.
- Measured by: the thumbnail matches the reference style, follows the brief, and clearly communicates the video topic.

- Delivery
- Export each thumbnail as a PNG at 1280 x 720 pixels.
- Upload finished thumbnails to a shared Google Drive folder.
- Name each file clearly (for example: video-title_v1.png).
- Measured by: correct format and size, all thumbnails delivered, files named clearly.


REQUIREMENTS

- Required: You can design thumbnails using any graphic design software (Photoshop, Photopea, Figma, GIMP, Canva, Affinity, or similar).
- Required: You have reliable internet and can upload/download files through Google Drive.
- Ideal: Prior knowledge of fighting games (Tekken, Street Fighter, Guilty Gear, etc.) is not required, but will make this job much easier.
- Ideal: Experience designing thumbnails for YouTube gaming content.
- Ideal: Comfortable cutting out characters cleanly and compositing them with backgrounds and text.


HOW TO APPLY

Here is a Google Drive folder with the sample brief and the reference folder: ----------

Your application:
- Read the sample brief.
- Design one YouTube thumbnail based on the brief.
- Match the style shown in the reference folder.
- Send the finished thumbnail (1280 x 720 pixels, PNG) as an attachment or Google Drive link.


Email your application to ---------- with the subject line: [Thumbnail Designer Gig] Your Name

Applications that do not follow every instruction above will not be considered.

If your application passes, you will be offered a paid gig to design a full batch of thumbnails for upcoming videos.