The Take - Thumbnail & Graphics Designer

Client: The Take

Location: Remote

Job Description

Position: Thumbnail & Graphics Designer

Job Type: Freelance

Location: Remote

The Take is a leading YouTube channel and media brand known for thoughtful, incisive analysis of film, television and culture. The role is ideal for an early-career designer who wants real responsibility, fast feedback loops, and the chance to develop elite instincts around what drives clicks and growth. You will design the visual entry point to The Take, creating thumbnails that capture attention while aligning with The Take’s analytical tone and brand identity.

Key Responsibilities

Thumbnail Design & Testing

• Design YouTube thumbnails appealing to both the algorithm and new audiences.
• Create multiple thumbnail concepts per video for A/B testing.
• Rapidly iterate on designs based on test results and performance data.
• Utilize strong creative and artistic sense to craft high-quality thumbnail designs that effectively communicate the video’s message and drive audience engagement.

Brand & Editorial Alignment

• Translate The Take’s editorial voice and analytical sensibility into a clear visual hierarchy.
• Balance boldness and restraint to ensure thumbnails feel serious, thoughtful, and premium.
• Maintain consistent visual systems including typography, color, and composition.

Additional Graphics & Organization

• Occasionally design channel graphics such as YouTube banners or promotional assets.
• Keep design files, templates, and archives clean and organized.

Requirements

Required Skills & Traits

• Excellent grasp of graphic design fundamentals and visual storytelling instincts.
• Keen understanding and desire to learn and create thumbnails that align with video topics and the channel’s brand.
• Ability to work quickly, intelligently, and iteratively.
• Creative, innovative, and thoughtful decision-making capabilities.
• Comfortable using data and metrics to guide design choices.
• High comfort using AI tools for ideation, variation, and workflow efficiency.
• Organized, enthusiastic, mature, and responsible.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing for YouTube or performance-driven media.
• Familiarity with YouTube analytics and A/B testing platforms.
• Interest in film, TV, and cinematic visual language.
• Basic motion or compositing skills.

Portfolio Requirement

Applicants must include a link to a portfolio or body of work. YouTube thumbnails or performance-driven graphics are strongly preferred. Applications without a portfolio link will not be considered.

Additional Information

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Experience:

• YouTube Thumbnail Design: 2 years (Preferred)
• Graphic Design: 2 years (Preferred)

Language: English (Required)

Work Location: Remote