Shawn Hakimi is building a YouTube channel centered on documentary-style investigative explainers and is looking for a talented thumbnail designer to help define the visual identity of this new direction.

The channel is moving beyond its earlier personal finance and career focus and into broader, curiosity-driven stories with a strong narrative angle. The ideal designer will know how to create thumbnails that are simple, striking, and built around a single compelling concept that performs well on YouTube.

This role is best suited for someone who understands how to turn an idea into a click-worthy image without relying on clutter or overcomplication. The style should feel clean, bold, and documentary-inspired, with strong use of symbolism, objects, and visual metaphor. The face of the creator will not appear in the thumbnail, so the work should communicate the topic clearly through design alone.

We are especially interested in designers who can work within a style similar to leading documentary and commentary channels, while also bringing original thinking to the table. If you have a fresh visual approach that you believe could stand out and help the channel test new creative directions, that is welcome too.

This is an ongoing remote opportunity for two videos per month. Concepts will be developed first, and then the selected thumbnail designer will translate the strongest ideas into polished final artwork. The work is paid per thumbnail and includes concepts, the final design, and revisions.

As the channel grows, there is potential for the role and compensation to expand as well. Sponsored videos may also include bonus opportunities.

We are looking for someone with at least 3 years of experience, strong English communication skills, and a portfolio that shows an understanding of YouTube packaging and documentary-style storytelling.

Compensation: Budgeted at $50 to $150 per video, depending on experience and skill level.

Please send 3 thumbnails you have created that are closest in style to this opportunity, along with the view count for each corresponding video. Include your rate per thumbnail and your typical turnaround time. Designers selected for the next step will receive a trial brief based on a real video currently in production.