Hard Jewelry is searching for a skilled thumbnail designer to become a long-term creative partner for our social and video content. This role is ideal for someone who understands how to turn real photography into attention-grabbing, high-click thumbnails while staying true to a bold alt/gothic streetwear identity.

We’re not looking for a one-time contractor. We want someone who can consistently support our growing content pipeline, including our existing library of videos and new releases as they roll out.

What You’ll Be Creating

• Multiple thumbnail directions for each video, based on provided photos and footage
• Fast revisions during release periods, with a quick turnaround when needed
• Photo edits and retouching that preserve the subject’s real appearance and avoid artificial face manipulation
• Thumbnails designed with a clear packaging strategy: the image sparks curiosity while the title completes the message

What We’re Looking For

• Strong understanding of YouTube-style thumbnail design, including clear visual hierarchy and small-screen readability
• Advanced compositing skills with clean cutouts, believable lighting, and polished color treatment
• Experience with realistic photo editing rather than illustrated or cartoon-based thumbnail styles
• Ability to work efficiently, explore several concepts quickly, and respond to urgent edits when content is launching

Creative Fit

• Comfort working within an alt/gothic streetwear aesthetic with a black-and-red visual identity
• Experience creating thumbnails that feature founder-led imagery, product teasers, and curiosity-driven layouts
• Ability to capture the feel and impact of a reference design while bringing originality to the execution

Bonus Skills

• Familiarity with YouTube thumbnail testing tools such as Test & Compare
• Basic motion design skills for end cards or social graphics

Compensation & Working Style

We offer competitive pay for an intermediate to advanced designer, with pricing typically ranging from $50 to $120 per thumbnail depending on experience, complexity, and portfolio strength. We’re also open to discussing a monthly retainer for the right long-term fit. Expedited turnaround requests are paid separately.

This is a remote opportunity and a great fit for a designer who thrives in a fast-moving content environment and enjoys creating visual assets that directly impact performance.

Please send your portfolio, along with any before-and-after examples or performance results you can share. Include your rate and your typical turnaround time. Selected applicants will be invited to complete a paid test using a real upcoming video brief and provided source images so we can evaluate each submission fairly.