About the role
YouTube Channel Thumbnail Designer (Freelance), fern and Simplicissimus
An opportunity to join an exciting, well-funded and fast-growing creator economy business.
Electrify is a dynamic new digital media company that invests in and scales creators with an established YouTube presence. We have invested in various leading channels and Fern and Simplicissimus are some of the leading channels in our portfolio.
Fern and Simplicissimus are leading digital outlets for political and social topics with around 5 and 2.5 million subscribers each. Our work has received national and international recognition, including two Shortys, two Tellys, the DAfFNE, the NYT TV & Film award and the Environmental Media Award. We focus on investigative research, video essays, and documentaries for a curious, engaged audience that always seeks deeper answers.
Come and build the future of media with us!
About the role
We are looking for a Thumbnail Designer (Freelancer) to support our YouTube channels fern and Simplicissimus. As a Thumbnail Designer, you will be responsible for creating striking, effective, and on-brand visuals that attract millions of viewers.
Key Responsibilities
Design engaging, high-performing thumbnails for YouTube documentaries and video essays
Develop creative visual concepts that capture the essence of each story and align with the channel’s visual identity
Select and retouch images, composite elements, and use typography effectively to create bold, clear, and scroll-stopping visuals
Create and integrate 3D elements, objects, or environments into thumbnails to enhance visual depth and storytelling impact
Maintain a consistent, high-quality design standard that reflects the tone and credibility of fern and Simplicissimus
Manage feedback cycles efficiently and deliver on tight deadlines
Stay on top of YouTube and media design trends to keep our channels visually ahead of the curve
Skills and experience
Proven experience designing YouTube thumbnails or visual assets for digital media
Excellent sense of visual storytelling, composition, color, and typography
Strong skills in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
Proficiency in Blender or Cinema 4D for 3D work
Understanding of how thumbnails influence click-through rate and viewer engagement
Ability to translate abstract or complex topics into clear, emotionally engaging visuals
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Business-level English and ideally basic knowledge of German
Desirable
Experience in digital journalism or documentary content
Familiarity with 2D and 3D animation or compositing workflows
Understanding of YouTube analytics and A/B testing for thumbnails
Electrify Culture
Dynamic environment - We are dedicated to providing a world-class creative culture where our employees can thrive. We’re looking for self-starters with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to be part of our success story. You’ll discover new opportunities, take ownership of important initiatives and learn at a fast pace.
Work anywhere - We are a remote team with employees around the world. This means you are free to work from anywhere with a good internet connection.
Our Values – We are committed to fostering a culture that values innovative, diverse ways of thinking and the ability to drive positive change. DEI is in our DNA, and our DEI Committee and Social Hub initiatives reflect this commitment.
Force for good -We believe in unlocking the power of Electrify to tell stories that change lives. Digital media has the opportunity to propagate inspiring ideas and knowledge that can generate extraordinary change.Electrify Impactprovides initiatives and resources to support emerging creators and positive impact organisations amplify their voice. In support ofthe United Nations 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), we actively encourage support on our mission to make the world a better place for all.
What we offer
Work from anywhere with an allowance for tech
Flexible hours
Employee referral program
The opportunity to work in a fast-paced, vibrant, dynamic, and innovative environment where you can learn and grow quickly
A supportive, inclusive and collaborative team
Rate: EUR250-350/day (depending on experience. This will be converted into the currency of where you are based)
Electrify is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, colour, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.
Originally posted on Himalayas