Talking head style composition featuring Andrei

Research and Ideation

Imagery Development

Photo Retouching

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - Twitter, Discord

• Feedback

• Inspiration

Create a talking-head style composition thumbnail with a focus on how much I made from the product in the video in a period of 12 months.  The thumbnail should immediately arrest the viewer's attention. The messaging and imagery should strictly be on topic, and the composition balanced and based on our demographics.

Should be professional with the message weaving through the whole composition. The final design should look polished, all elements cleanly cut out and blended seamlessly to complement the key message.

Make the caption and subject the focal points of the thumbnail. Ensure the lighting and shadows are adjusted to highlight their features.

File preparation and delivery: Save the final image in JPEG format. Organize the source files and bundle them up in the final thumbnail files for delivery within 24 hours.

I began by reviewing the video script to understand the key points and overall message. This gave me a clear idea of the elements that needed to be highlighted in the thumbnail to attract viewers. After some research and inspiration, ideation and feedback on the sketches, I was ready to roll. 

I set the dimensions to 1280x720 pixels (YouTube recommended thumbnail size) to ensure the output would be of a high resolution. I also set the resolution to 72 pixels/inch since this was intended for web use.

From the asset files in Google Drive, I uploaded the client's headshot, cropped off the background and balanced the light and shadows on the face. I downloaded the phone and added the shared figures of dividends earned. I made this in white and showed the increase in value in green, just as it appears in real life. But because the latter is a secondary element, I applied blur so that the primary elements ( text in white) could stand out. 

To blend all elements together and bring in a sense of harmony, I used a minimal grey-white gradient as a backdrop. I also fine-tuned the lighting and added highlights to increase contrast.

After feedback loops, the client was satisfied. I saved the final image as a JPEG, organized the source files and uploaded them to Google Drive, to ensure the quality is maintained. 

Talking head style composition featuring the clients with food items

Research and Ideation with inspiration from creators like Ryan Trahan

Imagery Development

Photo Retouching

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, Pinterest, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

Create a talking-head style composition thumbnail with a focus on the client and the food items. The thumbnail should immediately arrest the viewer's attention with on-topic imagery 

Make the caption and subject stand out with highlights either by increasing exposure or adding shadows. 

Save the thumbnail in PNG format. Organize the source files and bundle them up in the final thumbnail files for delivery within 3 days.

I began by reviewing the video footages and instructions from the client to understand the key points and overall message. This gave me a clear idea of the elements that needed to be highlighted in the thumbnail to attract viewers. After some research and inspiration, ideation and feedback on the sketches, I was ready to roll. 

I set the dimensions to 1280x720 pixels (YouTube recommended thumbnail size) to ensure the output would be of a high resolution. I also set the resolution to 72 pixels/inch since this was intended for web use.

From the asset files shared on discord, I uploaded the client's headshot, cropped off the background and balanced the light and shadows on the face. I downloaded the brown bags, branded and edited them to stand out and included the captions on each.

To give the composition a sense of location, I included a faded McDonald sign and distant trees on a clear sky.

After feedback loops, the client was satisfied and I saved the final image as a PNG, bundled the source files and sent them over.

Talking head style composition featuring the client

Research and Ideation

Imagery Development

Photo Retouching

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

Create a talking-head style composition thumbnail with a focus on 'how to protect one's bitcoin'.  The thumbnail should immediately arrest the viewer's attention. The messaging and imagery should strictly be on topic, and the composition balanced and based on our demographics.

Should be professional with the message weaving through the whole composition. The final design should look polished, all elements cleanly cut out and blended seamlessly to complement the key message.

Make the caption and subject the focal points of the thumbnail. Ensure the lighting and shadows are adjusted to highlight their features.

File preparation and delivery: Save the final image in PNG format. Organize the source files and bundle them up in the final thumbnail files for delivery within 24 hours.

I began by reviewing the video script to understand the key points and overall message. This gave me a clear idea of the elements that needed to be highlighted in the thumbnail to attract viewers.

I sketched the concepts on my tablet and tinkered with several ideas. When the client was satisfied with them, I moved to the design software, Photoshop. I set the dimensions to 1200x720 pixels to ensure the output would be of a high resolution. I also set the dpi to 72 pixels/inch since this was intended for web use.

From the asset files in Google Drive, I uploaded the client's image by the laptop, cropped off the background and the laptop and balanced the light and shadows on the whole photo. We both wanted it all natural so I introduced his workspace as a background. I added the text on the second and third version for a/b testing.

To blend all elements together and bring in a sense of harmony, I introduced some light onto his shirt and face in smooth glazes that also reflected on the wall in the background. I also fine-tuned the lighting and added glow to increase contrast.

After feedback loops, the client was satisfied and I saved the final image as a JPG, bundled the source files and sent them over to the channel strategist. 

Talking head style composition

Research and Ideation

Imagery Development

Photo Retouching

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

• Emphasize the core message: “Ship faster” as the main headline, large and centered.

• Show a laptop screen as the focal point where the message appears.

• Include relevant code-related captions

• Add a hand holding the laptop for realism

• Use a tech-themed background

• Insert a badge-style review graphic

• Maintain a clean and modern aesthetic with a strong blue color scheme.

• Include a small logo or branding mark discreetly on the thumbnail (bottom or center).

• Make sure the text is readable at small sizes (bold font, high contrast).

I started by dropping in a dark grid background to give it a techy feel. Then I added a photo of a hand holding a laptop, masked it cleanly, and placed it center. I used a gradient fill on the laptop screen, blue to dark, to make the "ship faster" text pop. For the text, I picked a bold Segoe UI font, and added a soft drop shadow for contrast.

Next, I created floating tag elements like <build>, <edit>, and <launch> using rounded boxes and subtle glows to mimic code snippets. I positioned them around the laptop to guide the eye.

On the top right, I designed a badge-style callout with review stars, a face icon, and “Get Devin” to mimic a testimonial UI. I placed the Devin logo below the text on-screen and the client's logo bottom right for branding reasons.

Talking head style composition

Research and Ideation

Imagery Development

Photo Retouching

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

Create a talking-head style composition thumbnail with a focus on how I earn over $1K from my investments.  Make sure you research the latest trends and let's stick with what worked before. The thumbnail should immediately get the viewer to click- with factual information of course. The messaging and imagery should strictly be on topic, and the composition balanced and based on our demographics.

Should be professional with the message weaving through the whole composition. The final design should look polished, all elements cleanly cut out and blended seamlessly to complement the key message.

Make the caption and subject the focal points of the thumbnail. Ensure the lighting and shadows are adjusted to highlight their features.

File preparation and delivery: Save the final image in PNG format. Organize the source files and bundle them up in the final thumbnail files for delivery within 12 hours.

I began by reviewing the video script to understand the key points and overall message. This gave me a clear idea of the elements that needed to be highlighted in the thumbnail to attract viewers.

I set the dimensions to 1200x720 pixels (YouTube recommended thumbnail size) to ensure the output would be of a high resolution. I also set the dpi to 72 pixels/inch since this was intended for web use.

From the asset files in Google Drive, I uploaded the client's image, cropped off the background and balanced the light and shadows on the whole photo. Using the data from research, I created the white rectangles to bear the payment platforms logos. I duplicated them to show a sense of abundance - as in to suggest the loads of money coming in. I searched online for a PayPal logo and Shopify logo to supplement the caption. I added the given figures and added the time factor to suggest the frequency of payouts.

To blend all elements together and bring in a sense of balance so the elements don't look like they are suspended in the air, I used a deep green gradient as a backdrop. I also fine-tuned the lighting and added highlights to increase contrast.

After feedback loops, the client was satisfied and I saved the final image as a PNG, bundled the source files and sent them over to the channel strategist. 

Follow the video script to come up with a thumbnail for the video

Photo manipulation - change person, edit the list of companies, background enhancement

Develop color palette and choose font style

Caption the thumbnail

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

Goal #1: Choose one title—discuss it with me and tell me which one you think is the best (it should fit the thumbnail like a combo).

The initial title (without big curiosity baits):

How POWER is Gained: A Simple Principle

---

A little bit different, with curiosity baits:

How POWER is Gained: A Simple Principle

How POWER is Actually Being Gained: A Simple Principle

How to Not Be a SLAVE and Gain POWER: A Simple Guide

This Is Why You Don't Have Power

Rat Race: The Untold Truth About Power

Goal #2: The Thumbnail Itself  - Let's discuss what ideas you got, before creating the thumbnail itself, here are some important points:

It should be in a similar style to the examples below (not overly emotional or targeting children, like MrBeast or exposure of youtubers type of thumbnails), by targeting adult viewers, and yet interesting them.

It should be unique, creative, and form a brand (this means that only on this channel will you find this type of thumbnail) —a killer design.

It should contain basic psychological thumbnail points, such as creating curiosity for the viewer, a stylish color palette that attracts attention—contrast (not the MrBeast type of stuff), scroll stoppers (maybe), and a main object.

Now let's think of a thumbnail concept based on the title and the points I provided. I have some ideas, but I am open to discussing them with you. In this work, 70% is psychology and 30% is design itself, which is why I am discussing this with you.

I have an idea that the thumbnail should contain the concept of a puppet master or a system controlled by a capitalistic businessman; for example, this looks interesting. Or it could feature some kind of minimalist system, like the second picture. What ideas do you have? Let's discuss

[This was the thought process and workflow in google docs]

I have underlined some pointers, reservations etc. and made some comments on the right. Any quoted text is a reference to the description you shared earlier.

Title choice: Rat Race: The Untold Truth About Power

My Thought Process

I like the “rat race” phrase. Its presence, I believe, best describes the quest for power, which involves high competition, urgency, stress, etc. By linking it to "Power," the title suggests that there's a deeper, perhaps darker, aspect of this struggle that isn't often discussed.

“The Untold Truth": A hint that the video will reveal something hidden or unknown. It piques curiosity, makes me want to click to uncover what I might be missing about the concept of power.

Also from the SEO perspective, “the untold truth” carries the day. I am all for it.

The Composition 

1. I have painted a picture of a stoic man, seated in silence, with a stern look, hands on the table by his side, or clasped,looking directly into the camera. A monochromatic color palette( black and white). He is an alpha male, well-dressed in a black suit, with a face like that of Rockefeller, and contemplative in nature. We can use a figure that was at the zenith of mortality during their time, and influenced a bunch of other great men in their path. In this case, for instance, Rockefeller had Andrew Carnegie, J.P Morgan, Henry Ford, William Lyon Mackenzie King ( The Canadian Prime Minister), etc. He “leveraged” Henry Flagler’s ingenious business strategies (the co-founder Standard Oil), alongside his brother Williams Rockefeller to do his bidding. 

2. A man seated with his emissaries or even enemies, with a devious smile. He is the magnate, the center of attention. And everyone around the table wishes to dethrone him, but he holds the cards. This is (almost) similar to the previous imagination, but there are other figures around the protagonist, to signify authority and highlight his influence and power. The figures are barely recognisable, to show their insignificance as compared to the man.

3. The minimalist concept

Something like this. We might alter the caption to include 3-5 words that are more on-script and SEO-focused. We can have the small slab in red, to signify (power) how powerful small actions/effect can have on a big matter.The color comparison also creates curiosity and draws attention to the small slab, where our (first) caption(with an arrow) will be, and from there the eye is gradually led towards the biggest slab. In such a case, I lean towards a red, black, white color palette. I am still thinking about the color combination and number of slabs that will fit our story.

4. Drawing from your inspiration, we can have a man like Larry Fink, showing off Blackrock’s holdings, with companies that he has the most influence in, such as NVIDIA($164B), Microsoft ($229B), etc in the limelight.

Design: Exploring Concept 1 and 4.

Nvidia has been in the limelight lately, having it in front is a plus. The frames of the logos are different to add some variety to the composition. Also, the twisted form of the logos adds to the subject’s power.

Elon Musk is included as he is one of the most influential and powerful people. BlackRock owns $33B worth of Tesla stocks. This is a name now familiar with billions of people and once voted Times Magazine Person of the Year. That is why I opted for this option.

We can do one without a caption and another with minimal caption.

On-brand talking-head style composition

Photo manipulation - change shirt color, edit the chart, background development

Develop color palette and choose font style for the chart text.

Adobe Photoshop:

• Photo manipulation

• Color grading

• Upscaling

• Format conversion.

ChatGPT and YouTube

• Research and Inspiration

• Brainstorming

Social Media - X, Reddit, Discord, LinkedIn

• Feedback

• Inspiration

We wanted to explore the core principles of strategic YouTube content creation. And the goal was to give a snippet of the video in a very informative way. The presence of the chart with talking points sets the tone for the video. 

I wanted the thumbnail to feature clear, bold imagery and content that concisely tells the viewer what the video is about. The text on the chart needed to be easily readable, even on small devices. To achieve this, I opted for a combination of large, colored Segoe Print Bold font, with variations to the sizes according to hierarchy.

The image of the subject smiling, by the laptop, added a relatable and working vibe, making the thumbnail more on-topic and also inviting. The background of the image is kept simple and tidy, with blurred plant life to convey a productive and inspiring environment. The green also signifies growth, which is a prominent theme in this video. The hue variations of the text provide a vibrant contrast, drawing the viewer’s eye to the chart, the main element in this thumbnail.

The thumbnail needed to be consistent with existing brand guidelines. This meant using similar fonts, colors, and styling elements to what viewers were accustomed to seeing on the channel.