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Featured · Graphic Design

A clear focal point for a clue-heavy thumbnail.

An investigation thumbnail built around a seated figure, with clues around him and the presenter to one side.

Title
El Macho Investigation
Year
2026
Role
Thumbnail design and campaign artwork
Format
YouTube investigation campaign
Client
Not listed
Campaign
Investigative editorial
El Macho Investigation

What went into it

Start with the figure, then let the eye follow the clues.

01

The job

Several clues needed to fit into one image without losing the main subject.

02

Audience

Long-form documentary and investigation viewers.

03

Known limits

I don’t have the original brief or performance figures for this project.

Key decisions

Why it looks this way.

How the main subject and supporting images share the frame.

  1. 01

    The main subject

    The seated figure is larger and more brightly lit than the surrounding details.

  2. 02

    Clues around the edges

    Money and other objects add context around the central figure.

  3. 03

    A place for the presenter

    The presenter sits to one side, leaving space for the main scene.

Contribution

My part

  • Multi-image compositing
  • Subject extraction
  • Lighting match
  • Headline hierarchy

Deliverables

Files delivered

  • YouTube thumbnail
  • Campaign artwork

Result

Final result

  • Final artwork