3 YouTube Thumbnail

Hello, We are looking to select a graphic designer to work with, and to do so, we want to run a practical test based on an upcoming video release. Context: We produce about 6 thumbnails a week for two YouTube channels (one DIY channel and one Drone channel), each with its own color scheme. For us, one video means creating 3 thumbnails to run A/B tests. The Assignment: Video in question: A review of the Sculpfun G20 fiber laser engraver (on this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@la_nouvelle_ecole). Video angle: "Is it too good to be true?" The answer is no, but there are pitfalls. Here is the video script: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1T-YVNgkyRIC0gDFBWqSvqX0v5yj16tDqv8tTXg04IL4/edit?tab=t.0 We are running a YouTube A/B test using three titles, and therefore three thumbnails: 1. "Engraving metal for €1,299: too good to be true? (Sculpfun G20)" Target emotion: doubt, suspicion. The viewer should think, "At that price, there’s bound to be a catch." Composition: The G20 on one side, me on the other, with a skeptical expression (raised eyebrow, pursed lips, or a sideways glance at the machine). Text on the thumbnail: « Inox, laiton, titane ? » 2. "Sculpfun G20 vs. xTool F1 Ultra: the verdict surprised me" Target emotion: comparison, curiosity regarding the price difference. At a glance, it must be clear that one costs three times as much as the other. Composition: Left/right split; G20 on the left, xTool F1 Ultra on the right, each occupying its own half with a different background color. Both machines at the same scale; neither should look like the obvious winner from the start. The price displayed beneath each machine—in large, bold type—should be just as readable as the machines themselves. Me at the bottom center, with an inquisitive or combative expression. A "VS" or a lightning bolt in the center. Text on the thumbnail: "1 299 € VS €4 100 € » 3. "Sculpfun G20: what the product page doesn't tell you!" Targeted emotion: wariness, revelation. The viewer should feel they are about to learn something before buying. Composition: the G20 in the center, larger than in the other two thumbnails. One or two red arrows or circles pointing out a flaw (e.g., the lack of a camera, or a small inset of the software screen). Me to one side, with a "warning" expression (raised index finger or "stop" hand gesture, furrowed brows, looking directly at the camera). Text on the thumbnail: « 3 pièges ! »" in red or yellow, slightly rotated. Key point: the G20 is black and compact; it must not get lost against the background. Here are the general guidelines: - Color scheme: → dominant orange/red. Check the top-performing thumbnails on our two channels for reference. - The product must be recognizable at a glance. - Bright thumbnails: no overly dark backgrounds; photos featuring a white T-shirt. - Natural faces: preserve skin texture; no eye retouching or skin smoothing. Retouching limited to light cleanup and cutouts. If no photo works, let me know and I’ll shoot a new set with the expression you need. - Consistent lighting direction between the face and the product, including a reflection of the dominant color on the face and a realistic drop shadow to avoid a "cut-and-paste" look. - Short text with a 3D effect or depth. Do not obscure the logo on the T-shirt. - No "AI-generated" style or effect. - Legibility test: shrink each thumbnail to 150px wide. If the text, machine, or engraved part is no longer readable, it is not visible enough. - Face integration: avoid a "cut-and-paste" look. Here are the photos of the actor : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N_l9YCijYcmkff5HFsYz8N-lGZLra5b8?usp=drive_link