Thumbnail Designer - Projects (Contractor)

About Cloud9

Cloud9, established in 2013, is widely known across the global esports scene. The organization has earned titles across multiple competitions, attracts large viewing audiences, and supports its players and staff with strong benefits. Today, Cloud9 operates professional teams in several game titles.

For more background on the organization, visit cloud9.gg.

Role Overview

Cloud9 is looking for a creative and skilled Thumbnail Designer to join its Content and Social team on a project basis. This remote contractor role is focused on producing eye-catching, polished thumbnails for podcasts, comms videos, game highlights, and similar content. Work will need to meet strict standards for quality, timing, and performance.

This opportunity is open to candidates anywhere in the world.

To be considered, candidates must provide a thumbnail design portfolio, ideally showing esports-related work.

Key Responsibilities

• Create visually strong thumbnails for a range of video formats, including podcasts, communications videos, and game highlight content.
• Keep each design consistent with brand direction, messaging, and style rules.
• Work quickly while still maintaining a high level of design quality and best-practice execution.
• Deliver assets on time and revise them as needed based on feedback.
• Work with internal teams to ensure the creative output matches shared goals, messaging, and delivery needs.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of experience creating thumbnails.
• Willingness to work flexible hours so deadlines aligned to Pacific Time can be met.
• Ability to produce compelling thumbnails without using AI-generated visuals.
• Strong command of written and spoken English.
• Comfort using graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar software.
• Interest in and familiarity with esports, entertainment, and pop culture.
• A thumbnail design portfolio is mandatory for consideration.
• Ability to think quickly and adapt solutions to changing situations.
• Practical judgment for real-world problems where there may not be a standard answer.
• Good active listening skills and the ability to communicate ideas clearly and logically.
• Self-driven, achievement-oriented mindset with a strong desire to improve.
• Team-focused approach with the ability to put shared priorities ahead of personal preferences when needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Fast-moving work environment within a company that is expanding rapidly.
• Access to leading esports resources and an engaged community.
• Opportunity to work with a high-performing team that values growth.
• Pay is $75 to $150 USD per project, with the possibility of continued work depending on performance.

Equal Opportunity

Cloud9 Esports is committed to equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, religious creed, disability, medical condition, marital or domestic partnership status, veteran or military status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the hiring process.

Background Checks

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be reviewed in line with applicable law.

Security Notice

Cloud9 Esports advises candidates to stay alert for fraudulent messages. The company’s official email domain is @cloud9.gg. Any communication from another domain should be treated as suspicious. If you receive a request for sensitive information or are uncertain whether a message is genuine, do not share personal details and contact the company directly. Cloud9 Esports is not responsible for losses caused by third-party fraud attempts.