Thumbnail Designer – YouTube Channel (300k subscribers)

We are an animated documentary channel on YouTube with over 300,000 subscribers. We are looking for a skilled thumbnail artist who can create compelling, high-performing thumbnails using a hand-crafted design process starting from sketches and ending in polished final outputs.

This role is not for AI-only designers. We are specifically looking for artists who can think, sketch, and design intentionally, using AI only as a supporting tool, not as the primary method of creation.

What You’ll Do
• Create thumbnails for each video using a two-step process:
1. Hand-drawn sketch / concept layout
2. Final polished thumbnail design
• Translate video ideas into visually engaging, click-worthy concepts
• Develop original compositions and visual storytelling elements
• Refine sketches into high-quality thumbnails using design tools

Core Requirement (VERY IMPORTANT)

This role requires a hand-crafted creative process.
• You must be able to sketch ideas by hand (digitally or traditionally)
• You must demonstrate original composition and concept development
• AI tools may be used only as support, not as the primary method

Not acceptable:
• Fully AI-generated thumbnails
• Outputs that visibly look AI-generated
• Reliance on prompt-only workflows

What we want:
• Artist-driven thumbnails
• Intentional design decisions
• Work that feels crafted, not generated

What We’re Looking For

Artistic Skills (CRITICAL)
• Strong drawing / sketching ability
• Ability to quickly visualize and communicate ideas through sketches
• Understanding of anatomy, shape, and exaggeration (especially animals)
• Composition and layout design from scratch

Concept & Creative Thinking
• Ability to interpret a video idea and find the most clickable visual angle
• Strong understanding of:
• Emotion (danger, curiosity, shock)
• Visual storytelling
• Ability to create engaging hooks paired with visuals

Technical Skills
• Adobe Photoshop (required)
• Digital drawing tools (e.g., tablet workflows, brushes, sketch layers)
• Image compositing and lighting effects
• Typography for thumbnails (bold, readable text)

Workflow
• Ability to:
• Start with rough concept sketches
• Iterate quickly
• Deliver polished final thumbnails
• Comfortable working within a repeatable template and style system

Deliverables Per Thumbnail
• Initial Sketch
• Rough layout of idea (composition + concept)
• Final Thumbnail
• Fully rendered, polished, YouTube-ready design

Important Note on AI

AI can be used for:
• Reference gathering
• Minor enhancements
• Supporting ideation

However:

The core concept, composition, and final output must be artist-driven and manually executed.

Pay
• $10 per thumbnail
• $10 per compilation thumbnail
• Ongoing weekly work for the right candidate

???? How to Apply
1. Submit:
• Examples of your work that include sketches + final outputs
• Any relevant thumbnail or illustration work
2. Be prepared to complete a short trial task

To confirm you’ve read this post, include the word “Burger” in your application. Applications without it will not be considered.

Applications that rely primarily on AI-generated artwork without demonstrating original sketching ability will not be considered.