For content creators and non-designers

For content creators and non-designers

Thumbnail Design Workshop: Create great YouTube thumbnails (without a designer)

Thumbnail Design Workshop: Create great YouTube thumbnails (without a designer)

Thumbnail Design Workshop: Create great YouTube thumbnails (without a designer)

Learn what makes a great YouTube thumbnail based on timeless design principles—not trends. Then, you'll create custom thumbnails that take less time as your channel grows, without relying on templates.

Learn what makes a great YouTube thumbnail based on timeless design principles—not trends. Then, you'll create custom thumbnails that take less time as your channel grows, without relying on templates.

Learn what makes a great YouTube thumbnail based on timeless design principles—not trends. Then, you'll create custom thumbnails that take less time as your channel grows, without relying on templates.

You spent all that effort on your video but no one clicked. Why?

A self-paced workshop on how to create better YouTube thumbnails. This includes thumbnail breakdowns, design principles, Figma basics, how to use Midjourney, and 3 special bonuses to level up your eye for design.

A self-paced workshop on how to create better YouTube thumbnails. This includes thumbnail breakdowns, design principles, Figma basics, how to use Midjourney, and 3 special bonuses to level up your eye for design.

A self-paced workshop on how to create better YouTube thumbnails. This includes thumbnail breakdowns, design principles, Figma basics, how to use Midjourney, and 3 special bonuses to level up your eye for design.

What you'll learn in the masterclass

  • What you can learn from Netflix movie thumbnails to design YouTube thumbnails

  • Timeless design principles to create better looking thumbnails without a designer

  • How to layout your images, text and objects

  • Should you use a logo or not?

  • Use Midjourney to create images in minutes

  • How to use contrast so your thumbnails stand out

  • How to use Figma to create custom templates for your YouTube thumbnails

  • What to do if your guests are not recognizable?

YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist

What's inside

  • Included is a 90 minute masterclass video going over what works and what doesn't.

  • Breaking down YouTube thumbnails from Colin & Samir, Mr. Beast, and Paul Millerd (self published author with 30k books sold)

  • Over-the-shoulder examples using Figma to redesign Paul Millerd's YouTube thumbnails

  • Why designing in Figma vs Photoshop helps you move faster as a non-designer.

  • Q&A covering Midjourney, when to use faces vs regular images, and more.

“Watching Nate work in real-time is incredible — I feel like I took away so many actionable heuristics and insights in such a short space of time. Highly, highly recommend!!”

Khe Hy, Founder Rad Reads

Jonny Miller

“Watching Nate work in real-time is incredible — I feel like I took away so many actionable heuristics and insights in such a short space of time. Highly, highly recommend!!”

Khe Hy, Founder Rad Reads

Jonny Miller

“Watching Nate work in real-time is incredible — I feel like I took away so many actionable heuristics and insights in such a short space of time. Highly, highly recommend!!”

Khe Hy, Founder Rad Reads

Jonny Miller

“Watching Nate work in real-time is incredible — I feel like I took away so many actionable heuristics and insights in such a short space of time. Highly, highly recommend!!”

Khe Hy, Founder Rad Reads

Jonny Miller

Learn how to use AI tools like Midjourney even if you don't have any images

AI is another tool to have at your disposal to create background images when you don't have anything compelling to use from your video.

Using AI Tools for Thumbnail Design

AI tools can be a game-changer for non-designers looking to create great YouTube thumbnails.


I don't cover this in the YouTube workshop, but here are some alternatives:


  • Midjourney: Midjourney is an AI tool that allows you to create images in minutes. You can use it to generate background images, graphics, and even entire thumbnails. This tool is perfect for those moments when you need a quick, high-quality visual without spending hours in design software.

  • Visual Electric: Visual Electric is becoming a fast favorite for generating consistent art-directed images.

  • Figma: Figma is a versatile design tool that allows you to create and edit thumbnails with ease. It also features AI capabilities that can help generate design ideas, making the creative process more efficient. Figma’s collaborative features are also great for getting feedback and making real-time adjustments.

  • Canva: Canva is a popular design tool that offers a range of AI-powered features, including a thumbnail generator. With its user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates, Canva makes it easy for anyone to create professional-looking thumbnails, even without prior design experience.

  • Tips for using AI tools: When using AI tools, make sure to provide clear instructions and guidelines. This helps the AI generate results that align with your vision. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and try out different options. The beauty of AI tools is their ability to quickly iterate and offer a variety of creative solutions.

YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
Nate Kadlac
Nate Kadlac
Nate Kadlac
Nate Kadlac

Nate Kadlac, Founder

WHo is teaching the workshop?

Hi, I'm Nate!

I am a former creative director and product designer who has helped Fortune 500 companies and early-stage startups grow their companies and reach millions of consumers.


Over my career, I've designed investment decks that have helped founders raise millions of dollars, ads to capture attention for companies like Microsoft, HP, Best Buy, and apps that delight millions of consumers.


Now, I work with creators and entrepreneurs who are building brands and companies that want to stand out against the noise.

“I watched it with a friend and we were buzzing with ideas for how we could improve our own branding throughout. And he gave us some great templates we could start using immediately after, which made making the jump so much more approachable.”

“I watched it with a friend and we were buzzing with ideas for how we could improve our own branding throughout. And he gave us some great templates we could start using immediately after, which made making the jump so much more approachable.”

“I watched it with a friend and we were buzzing with ideas for how we could improve our own branding throughout. And he gave us some great templates we could start using immediately after, which made making the jump so much more approachable.”

“I watched it with a friend and we were buzzing with ideas for how we could improve our own branding throughout. And he gave us some great templates we could start using immediately after, which made making the jump so much more approachable.”

Additional Bonuses worth $197

YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist

Bonus #1: A YouTube Thumbnail Design checklist

  • 20 steps to better thumbnails

  • Brainstorm better thumbnail ideas

  • How to assemble your design kit

  • Learn which fonts work best

  • How to prepare your design assets

  • How much text to use

Bonus #2: YouTube Thumbnail Design Kit

  • Use this design kit template so you never have to start from scratch again

  • Add your own colors, fonts, and icons to give yourself a new starting point for every design project

  • 12 microphones to use in your own thumbnails

YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist
YouTube thumbnail checklist

Bonus #3: YouTube Thumbnail Mockup

Test your thumbnail in a YouTube landing page preview, to see what it might look like sitting next to other thumbnails

Real results from students

  • Watching Nate work in real-time is incredible — I feel like I took away so many actionable heuristics and insights in such a short space of time. Highly highly recommend!!

  • Nate is a good instructor because he believes everyone can learn about design and apply it to their daily lives and business. He’s clear, earnest, patient and understanding. Showing real world examples and explaining the choices made is especially illuminating.

  • The Youtube thumbnails workshop was very useful, I learned a lot. I particularly liked the concrete tips about creating contract and the rule of thirds.

  • “Nate's tutorial on YouTube thumbnails was fantastic. I watched it with a friend and we were buzzing with ideas for how we could improve our own branding throughout. And he gave us some great templates we could start using immediately after, which made making the jump so much more approachable.”

    Nat Eliason

  • I attended one of Nate’s design workshops and it was a game-changer for me. He is the real deal.

    His design philosophy + practical approach makes design super simple and accessible. I’m VERY grateful for his teachings.

  • If it weren't for him, his design workshops, and newsletter for non-designers, I'd still be stuck working at my local theater or Little Caesars.

    Thanks to him I started a design studio where I'm earning much more than I was at my former minimum wage jobs. My designs don't look crappy anymore.

    Irving Beltran

Enroll in the YouTube Thumbnail Masterclass

Or get 1:1 design help with you or on a monthly basis

Get the Masterclass

$100 $49

$49

Instant Access

90 min Masterclass + breakdowns, Q&A

Bonus #1: YouTube Thumbnail Design Checklist

Bonus #2: YouTube Kit Template

Bonus #3: YouTube Thumbnail Mockup

Masterclass + 1:1 consult

$499

$499

Instant Access

90 min Masterclass + breakdowns, Q&A

1:1 60 min design consult

Custom YouTube thumbnail template designed live

Bonus #1: YouTube Thumbnail Design Checklist

Bonus #2: YouTube Kit Template

Bonus #3: YouTube Thumbnail Mockup

World-Class Creator Thumbnails
Done For You (Beta)

$1,299

$1,299

/mo

/mo

2 SOLD

Hurry: Price increases $99/mo for each new client

Unlimited thumbnails & revisions

Great for upgrading your existing YouTube channel

Services includes Websites, Slide Decks, Apps, Email Templates

2 day turnaround

One request at a time

Pause or cancel anytime

Credit Card Payments

No meetings

Includes Masterclass + Bonuses

No meetings

Background noise