Lazar Savić, known in the digital world as ZOLAYZ, is a 21-year-old graphic designer from Serbia. He specializes in visual solutions that combine aesthetics, functionality, and industry standards. He began his career in 2021 through collaborations with YouTube creators and soon expanded his portfolio by working with influencers, productions, musicians, brands, and large events.
Today, Lazar works on a wide range of graphic design projects, including visual identities, promotional materials, printed materials, and creative solutions for influencers, musicians, brands, and productions.
Website → zolayz.com
Instagram → instagram.com/zolayzdesigns
Twitter (X) → x.com/zolayzdesigns
Featured design
Overview
A thumbnail I created for one of the most popular YouTubers in the US, Preston, was produced as part of his production network TBNR Productions, which operates multiple channels with millions of views.
The video is titled Trapped In VR Until I Win and is built around a challenge concept where the creator stays in VR until he wins. In the video, he uses a Meta Quest headset and plays the popular multiplayer game Gorilla Tag.
In this version, a gorilla from the real world is shown, which further enhances the contrast between reality and virtual reality. That clash between the real and the digital creates a stronger, more intense visual impact and immediately grabs attention.
In addition to the main version, I also created several thumbnail variations to test performance and optimize CTR.
Inspiration
The inspiration for this thumbnail came from MrBeast’s style recognizable for its bold photo manipulations, composition, and visuals that immediately grab attention.
Starting assets
After receiving the photos of Preston, I started working on the thumbnail. Preston takes up most of the visual focus, while the remaining 3–4 photos were combined with brushes and other tools to create scratch, dirt, and other effects, adding realism and depth to the final composition.
Editing
The process of editing the thumbnail wasn’t too demanding because I had a clear reference from the very beginning that showed how the final look should be. This made it easier for me to plan and position the elements. Additionally, Preston was in the foreground, which meant that most of the focus during editing was on him highlighting him, adjusting the lighting, colors, and details while the background played a secondary but important role in the overall composition.
In addition to the primary design, I also created additional variations for A/B testing in order to test which thumbnail performs better with the audience.
Unlayered
Workstation
Software
How did you get into thumbnail design?
It all started with my desire to launch my own YouTube channel where I posted CS:GO videos. That's when I realized the importance of an eye-catching thumbnail, just like the ones other YouTubers had. I downloaded Photoshop, but at first, it looked like an airplane cockpit, I had no idea what anything did. After a lot of practice and watching tutorials, I came up with the idea to offer my skills as a service to other YouTubers. Over time, I mastered other software as well and started offering various graphic design services.
Best thumbnail you've ever made?
Best thumbnail you've ever seen?
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