How To Make Viral Thumbnails: From A $100K/Year Designer
David Altizer had no graphic design background, yet in one year, he built a six-figure business designing thumbnails for top YouTubers. This is how he made it happen, and what every creative can learn from his journey.
It’s easy to look at a polished YouTube thumbnail and think, “Cool image.” But behind the best ones? There’s real thinking. Real testing. And often, a career-changing strategy.
That’s what makes David Altizer’s journey so valuable, not just for thumbnail designers, but for anyone building in the creator space.
A year ago, David had no formal design background. Today, he works with creators like Curtis Connor and Max Fosh, charges $500+ per thumbnail, and earns six figures a year from design alone. His secret isn’t fancy software or a magic algorithm. It’s a set of principles he applies over and over, and generously shared in a recent interview.
Here are 10 lessons from David that can help you get better at YouTube, whether you design thumbnails, create content, or lead strategy behind the scenes.
One Year, Six Figures: What You Can Learn from David Altizer’s Journey
You don’t need a design degree or a decade of Photoshop experience to succeed in the YouTube thumbnail world. What you do need is a strong understanding of storytelling, composition, and how YouTube works, and David Altizer is a clear example of that.
A year ago, he wasn’t a thumbnail designer. He was a filmmaker and former YouTuber who understood the full content pipeline: ideas, production, editing, and publishing. When he pivoted into thumbnail design, he leveraged all of that context, and within a month, he was working with top creators and charging premium rates.
Here’s what you can learn from how he made it happen:
1. Use the skills you already have, even if they’re not “design” skills
David didn’t start with a graphic design background. What gave him an edge was his eye for composition and deep understanding of how YouTube videos are structured. He knew how to frame a shot, what kind of image sells an idea, and how viewers respond to certain visuals.
If you’ve worked in video, photography, or even copywriting, you may already have more of an advantage than you think. It’s not about being the most technically advanced Photoshop user, it’s about knowing how to tell a visual story quickly.
2. You don’t need years of experience, but you do need speed and results
David’s first thumbnails weren’t perfect, but they worked. He focused on building a strong portfolio quickly and publicly shared his work on Twitter. That visibility helped him land clients, fast.
He also got faster. A thumbnail that once took him 8 hours now takes two. That speed matters, especially when working with multiple creators and handling last-minute edits.
3. Charge based on impact, not time
One of the biggest mindset shifts for creative freelancers is pricing your work based on value, not how long it takes. David now charges $500–600 per thumbnail, not because each one takes days to make, but because they contribute to high-performing videos and generate thousands (or millions) in revenue.
Early on, he started at $200 and increased as he gained more clients, built a track record, and saw results from A/B tests. If you’re helping creators get more views, higher click-through rates, or better retention, your work is directly tied to their growth. Price accordingly.
4. Share your process, not just your portfolio
What helped David stand out was not just the finished thumbnails, it was the behind-the-scenes thinking. He explained why he made certain choices, what tools he used (like Generative Fill or Magnific), and how he approached layout, subject focus, and realism.
If you want to grow in this space, don’t just post final thumbnails. Share your thinking. Explain how you made it. Help others learn, and clients will notice.
The Fast Track to Working With Top Creators (Without a Big Following)
One of the most common assumptions in creative work is that you need a massive audience or years of experience to land high-profile clients. David Altizer proves otherwise.
Within a month of deciding to become a thumbnail designer, he was already working with creators like Curtis Connor, Max Fosh, and Hayden Hillier-Smith. How? Not through a viral moment, but by being visible, prepared, and easy to trust.
Here’s how you can use the same principles to grow faster than most people think is possible.
1. Make it easy for people to find (and trust) your work
David didn’t pitch hundreds of creators. He shared high-quality examples on Twitter, including thumbnails he had made and the results they drove. That visibility created momentum. His clients came to him.
If you want clients, don’t keep your work in a folder. Put it where creators are already looking, on platforms like X (Twitter), Discord, or LinkedIn. But don’t just post designs. Explain what problem it solved. Share how you improved the click-through rate. Make the value of your work obvious.
2. Relationships matter more than cold outreach
David’s first thumbnail opportunity came through a friend, Hayden Hillier-Smith, who took a chance on him because of a prior connection. That referral led directly to more clients.
This doesn’t mean you need to already be in the circle. But it does mean that the fastest path is often through shared trust. Start engaging with creators, editors, and strategists online. Comment thoughtfully. Join spaces like Thumbnail Thursday. Over time, your name becomes familiar, and when someone needs help, you’ll be top of mind.
3. Don’t wait for permission to create examples
Before David was officially hired, he was already making thumbnails and showing what he could do. Many new designers hold back, thinking they need paid work to prove themselves. But some of the best portfolios come from self-directed projects.
Pick a creator you admire. Don’t copy their current style, reimagine a thumbnail based on one of their past videos. Use your face or your own assets. Show what you’d do differently. And explain why.
Even better, offer a test. If the creator likes your approach, they might try it. If it performs, you could have a client overnight.
4. Good clients value clarity over complexity
David’s early success wasn’t just about design, it was about communication. He took rough ideas and turned them into focused concepts. He listened carefully. He stayed within timelines. He didn’t overcomplicate things.
If you want to attract top-tier clients, focus on being reliable, clear, and fast. There are plenty of talented designers. The ones who get referred are the ones who make the process easy.
Think Like a Viewer, Build Like a Creator
The best creators don’t build in a vacuum, they build in response to what their audience is already saying. And the ones who monetize fastest are usually the ones who figure that out early.
That’s exactly what David Altizer did. He didn’t guess what his audience wanted. He paid attention to what they were already asking for, then made products, templates, and resources around those needs.
Whether you're a designer, strategist, or YouTuber, this approach is one of the most powerful ways to grow your impact and income. Here’s how to apply it.
1. Your comment section is market research
If you’re consistently getting the same types of questions, that’s not random. That’s data.
In David’s case, people were constantly asking how to edit thumbnails, how to improve composition, what tools to use, or how he made a specific image. He took those questions seriously. And instead of replying one by one, he created resources, tutorials, and live sessions to help more people at once.
This isn’t just about building a product. It’s about spotting signals early. If your audience is struggling with something, even if it seems obvious to you, there’s likely demand for a solution.
2. Don’t assume you need to “invent” something
A lot of creators feel pressure to build something brand new. In reality, most successful tools or services are just clearer, more focused versions of existing ideas.
David didn’t create a groundbreaking new design tool. He made a thumbnail grid overlay and shared it on his site, because it solved a common problem: checking mobile cropping and composition in real time. That small tool got shared widely and became a staple in his workflow (and others’ too).
If you’re getting the same question twice, you have a reason to turn it into something tangible.
3. Build in public, and let your audience shape the result
David used his audience not just as customers, but as collaborators. When he shared tools or templates, he asked for feedback. When people pointed out bugs or tweaks, he fixed them fast.
This created a loop of trust and responsiveness. People felt heard. And when something worked well, they shared it, helping him grow without needing paid ads or big launches.
If you’re building something, even small, talk about it as you go. Share rough versions. Show how it solves real problems. You don’t need a finished product to start momentum.
Price Based on Value, Not Time
When David Altizer started charging for thumbnails, he began at $200 each. Within a year, he was charging $500–600 per thumbnail, sometimes more. That kind of pricing growth wasn’t just about getting faster or more skilled. It was about understanding the real value of what he was delivering.
If you're a creative (designer, editor, strategist), you’ve probably undercharged at some point. Here’s how to shift your mindset, and pricing, to reflect the true value of your work.
1. The value isn’t the thumbnail. It’s the outcome.
A well-designed thumbnail isn’t worth hundreds because it looks nice. It’s worth that because it gets clicked. Because it drives views. Because it changes the trajectory of a video.
One of David’s thumbnails helped generate over 6 million views for a client. Another became the foundation for a whole content style shift. When your work contributes to revenue, audience growth, or business results, it’s not just a file. It’s leverage.
Creators aren’t paying you for hours. They’re paying you for results.
2. Fast doesn't mean cheap
David now builds thumbnails in 1–2 hours that used to take him eight. That speed isn’t a reason to lower his rate, it’s proof of his experience.
A common trap is thinking, “Well, this only took me an hour, so I shouldn’t charge much.” But in most cases, the client doesn’t care how long it took, they care about what it does.
If your work helps them get better results, price accordingly. Efficiency is a strength, not a discount trigger.
3. Your best clients aren’t price-sensitive
David talked about something many freelancers figure out the hard way: the clients who pay the least often expect the most.
There’s nothing wrong with smaller creators or early-stage clients. But as you grow, your energy is better spent with people who value your time and trust your process. These clients don’t want 10 rounds of revisions. They want a professional to take the reins and deliver something strong.
David now turns down high-maintenance clients, even if they’re willing to pay more, because they drain his energy and slow down his best work.
Bonus: Make it easy to say yes
One tactic that’s worked well for David is offering alternate versions (for A/B testing) at a discounted rate. If the main thumbnail is $500, he offers a variant for $250, using the same core assets. That doubles the client’s chance of success and boosts his earnings without doubling the workload.
If you’re looking for ways to raise your rates, bundle smarter. Price based on outcomes. And work with clients who know the difference between cost and value.
How to Work Faster Without Losing Quality
One of the most impressive parts of David Altizer’s workflow is how he’s managed to dramatically speed up his process, without sacrificing results. A thumbnail that used to take him 8 hours now takes about 1 or 2. And the quality? Arguably better than ever.
If you’re a designer, creator, or freelancer trying to produce more without burning out, here’s how he does it, and how you can apply the same principles.
1. Create Your Own Efficiency Tools
David uses Photoshop for every thumbnail, but what sets him apart is how he’s built a repeatable, personal toolkit inside it. His favorite? A PSD overlay showing exactly where the mobile and desktop timecodes will appear on a YouTube thumbnail.
Why it matters: timecodes often block key details (like text or faces), especially on mobile. David’s simple guide helps avoid that mistake before it happens. No uploading and re-checking. No wasted revisions.
Lesson: Build small tools that work for your process. If you find yourself repeating something more than twice, template it, save it, or automate it.
2. Zoom Out Early and Often
While editing, David constantly zooms out to see his thumbnails at smaller sizes. Why? Because that’s how they’ll be seen on YouTube, tiny, crowded, and surrounded by competition.
Looking at your design full-screen in Photoshop is misleading. It’s too clean, too isolated. Zooming out forces you to design for real-world conditions, not an ideal environment.
Tip: Always preview your work at 10–15% scale before calling it done.
3. Let AI Handle the Tedious Stuff
David openly credits tools like Photoshop’s Generative Fill and Magnific for cutting his production time in half, especially on complex edits like reconstructing backgrounds, removing objects, or fixing hair edges.
He doesn’t rely on AI for creativity. He uses it to accelerate tasks that used to take forever. The result? He gets to spend more time making creative decisions, and less time clicking around.
The key lesson here: automation doesn’t replace your craft. It frees up your brain for the parts only you can do.
4. Don’t Overwork It
David’s most popular thumbnails aren’t the most edited ones. In fact, one of his best-performing thumbnails took just 30 minutes to make, because the concept was already strong.
More editing doesn’t always mean more impact. Instead of obsessing over micro-adjustments, focus on the one big visual idea: is it clear, interesting, and clickable?
High-effort thumbnails can still underperform if the concept doesn’t land. Save your energy for the parts that matter most.
Better Thumbnails Start with Better Ideas
No amount of editing can save a weak concept. That’s why some of the best thumbnail designers, like David Altizer, focus as much on what the thumbnail shows as how it looks.
You don’t need to be a Photoshop expert to make effective thumbnails. What you need is a strong idea, one that sparks curiosity, stands out visually, and delivers on its promise.
Here’s how to build better ideas before you even open your design software:
1. Start With the Video’s Core Emotion
Before you start designing anything, ask: What do I want the viewer to feel when they see this thumbnail?
Confusion? Surprise? Awe? Laughter?
For example, a creator walking a cow down a busy city street is funny because it’s so absurd and unexpected. That’s what makes you click. David knew the image alone was strong enough to carry the thumbnail, so he kept the edits minimal and let the emotion speak for itself.
Ask yourself: If I showed this thumbnail with no title, would it still make someone stop scrolling?
2. Match the Thumbnail to the Opening Shot
This is one of the most overlooked tricks, and one of the most powerful.
If your thumbnail shows something wild or surprising, make sure the first 5–10 seconds of the video confirm it. That immediate alignment builds trust and keeps people watching.
David often works with creators who shoot after the thumbnail is planned. That way, they can match the video’s intro to the thumbnail, not the other way around.
Tip: If your thumbnail shows something visual, make sure viewers see it right away when they click.
3. Borrow from Outside YouTube
If you only look at other thumbnails for inspiration, you’ll eventually start copying what’s already been done.
David recommends studying things like:
Why it works: these formats have decades of high-stakes design baked into them. They force clarity and focus, just like thumbnails should.
You’re not trying to be original for the sake of it. You’re trying to create something recognisable yet different enough to grab attention.
How AI Actually Helps, Without Killing Creativity
There’s a misconception that using AI tools in thumbnail design makes the work less creative. But in the hands of someone who understands composition and storytelling, AI actually enhances creativity, not replaces it.
David Altizer’s workflow is a perfect example. He didn’t start as a graphic designer. He came from filmmaking and YouTube. But with tools like Generative Fill, Magnific, and rule-of-thirds overlays, he was able to speed up production and punch way above his weight, even in his first year designing.
Here’s how AI can elevate your thumbnails without taking over:
1. You Still Need a Clear Vision
AI is powerful, but only if you know what you want.
When David builds a thumbnail, he doesn't just throw assets into a generator and hope it looks good. He sketches the idea, understands the scene, and identifies what emotion or action should be front and center. AI then helps fill in the gaps (like regenerating a background or fixing blurry edges), but the idea always comes first.
If you're clear on your composition and focal points, AI will help you get there faster. If you aren't, it’ll just create more noise.
2. AI Helps You Clean, Not Complicate
One of the most useful tools David uses is Generative Fill in Photoshop. Instead of adding unnecessary elements, he uses it to:
Because the AI references the actual lens, color, and depth of the photo, it creates results that look real, which is critical for thumbnails that need to feel in-camera.
That realism is what makes a thumbnail feel believable, not Photoshopped.
3. It Speeds Up Testing (So You Can Iterate Smarter)
Thumbnail performance isn’t always predictable. That’s why David builds alternate versions, sometimes with very small tweaks, and runs A/B tests using YouTube’s native tools or external platforms.
AI makes this easier. You can generate alternate crops, new props, slight pose changes, or background versions in minutes. That means you can test without spending hours redoing everything from scratch.
More versions = more data = better long-term results.
4. AI Doesn’t Replace Taste
Tools like Magnific can upscale your images and add more detail, but they also create artifacts that might look off. David’s approach? Use the AI where it helps (like on eyes or hair), but mask or erase the parts that distort key features, especially faces.
The tool might be smart, but your human judgment is still what makes the image click-worthy.
Lean Tools, High Standards: You Don’t Need a Big Team
You don’t need a massive studio or agency to produce top-performing thumbnails. In fact, the most effective creators often run lean, with just a handful of people and the right tools.
David Altizer is a perfect example. He works mostly solo, supported by a few freelance clients, and still pulls in over $100,000 a year creating thumbnails. His tech stack is light. His process is structured. And his results? Top-tier.
Here’s how he keeps quality high without overcomplicating things:
1. Build a Repeatable Workflow
The secret to speed and consistency is repeatability. David doesn't reinvent his process every time. He has templates, tools, and shortcuts he reuses across projects, things like:
These small systems compound. When every step has a place, he’s free to focus on creativity, not logistics.
Tip: If it takes you more than 10 seconds to find your own files or templates, your workflow needs tightening.
2. Choose Tools That Make You Faster
David’s tech stack is surprisingly simple:
He doesn’t over-engineer his toolkit. Each tool has a purpose, and every minute saved on edits goes into creating better concepts or taking on more work.
3. Treat Feedback as a Business Variable
Not all clients are the same. Some give one round of notes. Others send 10.
David learned to price accordingly, charging full rate for complete redesigns, and half-rate for asset tweaks or A/B versions. This lets him keep the work sustainable and protects him from scope creep.
More importantly, it helps him filter the right clients: ones who are clear, collaborative, and trust the process.
4. Design for Speed, Not Just Polish
A well-composed thumbnail can take hours. But not every project needs to.
David often mocks up a thumbnail concept with rough cuts before doing any detailed editing. This lets him confirm the direction with the client early, and avoid costly rework.
If you’re designing thumbnails, speed matters. A good process doesn’t just save time, it gives you more room to test, improve, and repeat what works.
Grow in a Niche Before Going Broad, Why Mastering One Corner of YouTube Pays Off
If you're just starting out or stuck in a plateau, it's tempting to think the answer is to "go broader." But broad appeal often comes after narrow focus. That’s how David Altizer, and many of the creators he works with, gained momentum.
He didn't launch as a generalist. He leaned into a niche where his background in filmmaking, YouTube, and design gave him a sharp edge. And that same focus helped his clients, like Curtis Connor and Max Fosh, go from solid performers to standout stars.
Why Niches Work
Niching down helps you:
David didn’t try to make thumbnails for every genre. He focused on creators making IRL, storytelling, and commentary content, the type of YouTube he knew best. That made his work sharper, more relevant, and easier to pitch.
He could say, “Here’s what works in your style of video, and here’s why.”
If you’re designing or creating content, that’s a huge advantage: knowing the context of the content makes you way better at supporting it.
The Creators Who Mastered This
Jordan Welch focused on e-commerce content long before he moved into broader entrepreneurial topics. MrBeast’s original videos were just absurd challenges among friends, not huge productions. Even creators like Colin and Samir were laser-focused on the creator economy before exploring adjacent topics.
David highlighted how Curtis Connor has his own signature style, scrapbook-like thumbnails, with handwritten-style fonts and layered visuals. It doesn’t work for everyone. But it works for his specific audience. That’s the point.
Trying to serve everyone too soon usually just leads to generic work, and an invisible channel.
Going Broad After You’ve Earned It
Once you’ve built authority in a niche, you can stretch out. You can remix your format. Introduce new topics. Even bring in humor or commentary from outside your original space. But you’ll be doing it from a place of trust, not desperation.
And here’s the trick: the people who follow you from niche content will often want to hear your thoughts on broader topics, because you’ve already proven your value.
How to Apply It
If you're stuck trying to “be more relatable” or “reach a wider audience,” take a step back and ask:
Start there. Dominate that corner. Then grow.
Niches aren’t boxes. They’re foundations.
Conclusion
David Altizer’s path isn’t a step-by-step formula. It’s a proof point.
He didn’t wait until he was “ready.” He started with the skills he had, leaned into his background, and picked up tools as he went. He focused on real impact over trends. Simplicity over flash. And above all, he listened, to creators, to audiences, and to what actually made videos perform.
If you’re trying to grow on YouTube, or help others grow, the biggest takeaway is this: everything compounds when you focus on what matters. The idea. The image. The viewer experience. And the people behind the screen.
Design better. Think sharper. Work smarter. Because, like David said, every creator is one thumbnail away from changing their career.