Freelance Designer (Brand Builder + Thumbnail Architect) [Remote]

Sweet Fish Media is a strategy-led B2B video partner for companies that want video to drive real business results.

We build video-first podcasts and YouTube shows for B2B brands, and we're hiring a Freelance Designer who can build visual brands that don't just look good — they perform.

This role sits at the intersection of brand identity, audience psychology, and content packaging .

We're looking for someone who can confidently answer: “If this show needs to stand out in a crowded feed… how do we build a visual identity and thumbnail system that actually earns attention?”

This is not a template-driven design role. This is for someone who understands that every podcast is its own brand, every thumbnail is a conversion point, and every visual decision shapes audience perception.

This is a high-growth freelance role for a designer who wants to sharpen both their branding instincts and performance-driven design thinking while working closely with producers, strategists, and creative teams.

What You'll Do

You'll help build and evolve the visual identity of multiple B2B shows, ensuring strong brand positioning, scalable design systems, and high-performing episode packaging.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building full brand identity systems for new podcast launches (logo, typography, color systems, cover art, visual direction)
• Refreshing existing podcast brands to improve relevance, positioning, and consistency
• Designing YouTube thumbnails that are performance-minded, CTR-aware, and built within scalable systems
• Creating moodboards and visual exploration decks for new show concepts and brand pitches
• Partnering with producers and strategists to align visual direction with show positioning and audience goals
• Building repeatable visual systems that scale across dozens of episodes without losing brand consistency
• Using AI-assisted design workflows (Midjourney, Photoshop, etc.) to improve speed, ideation, and production quality

How You'll Be Measured

• Quality and consistency of brand identity systems
• Thumbnail performance and click-through impact
• Speed and reliability of execution
• Ability to translate strategy into strong visual systems
• Creative contribution to show growth and audience engagement

Must-Haves

• 3+ years of experience in brand design, visual identity, or content design
• Strong portfolio showing range across multiple brands and industries
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
• Experience designing YouTube thumbnails or performance-driven content packaging
• Strong understanding of typography, composition, contrast, and visual hierarchy
• Experience using AI tools like Midjourney or Stable Diffusion as part of the creative workflow
• Ability to explain and defend design decisions clearly

Bonus Skills

• Figma
• Runway
• Motion design experience
• Familiarity with YouTube analytics and CTR optimization

This Role Is NOT For You If…

• You rely on one signature style for every client
• You need heavy creative direction to start
• You treat thumbnails like production leftovers
• You struggle with feedback or iteration
• You prefer one-off design over scalable systems

Role Details

• Freelance / ongoing contract
• Fully remote
• Paid trial projects → long-term opportunity
• Project-based compensation (fixed rate per deliverable)
  • Thumbnail work: $25–$50 per episode
  • Brand identity launches: $1,500 per project
  • Hourly Rate for work outside of project scope: $30-35/hr
• Consistent workload with opportunities for higher-value brand work

If your portfolio shows versatility, systems thinking, and strong visual instincts — we'd love to see it.

Please submit your resume and include a portfolio link with relevant examples of brand identity work and YouTube thumbnail design.