Simon Marx — known online as "Simsala" — is a 21-year-old designer from Germany. He got his start back in 2016, when a friend launched his own Minecraft YouTube channel, showed him Photoshop, and asked for help making designs. He was only 12 at the time, but from that moment he was fascinated by the creative possibilities of Photoshop, and he's been hooked ever since.
Today he's a certified graphic designer. He works with both major and up-and-coming creators such as Rinos, NeedToKnow, Mexify, tatsache, and Lewinray, helping their channels grow reach and identity. Simsala is available for hire.
Twitter (X) → x.com/SimsSimsala
Featured design
Overview
The Rinos channel, where the video and thumbnail were released, is a group of big content creators. The video is a game show where they make estimates across six challenges, ending with a car-crash speed-guessing finale.
When developing the thumbnail concept, I chose the moment that was the most absurd and had the strongest visual impact — the final challenge. An added benefit was that viewers had to watch till the end to see this moment, which boosted the video's watchtime afterward.
Editing
I start with a rough sketch, which helps me see if the thumbnail and concept work. Not my best sketching work, but it's a realistic breakdown of my process. I've since switched to "3D sketches" for this part and now use realistic images of people — it's easier to get the proportions right at the end.
Concept sketch
I stick to 2–3 rules while sketching:
What are the key elements? (3 is a good number)
Is it easy to understand what's happening?
Is the perspective interesting, and does it communicate the main message?
Concept and composition structure
As I was collecting the image assets, the first issue came up: no photos had been shot, only the video. So I grabbed screenshots from the video and pasted them together, piece by piece.
All individual assets overview
Key decisions during the process:
I'd already placed the car in the center background, but something felt off, so I recolored it red to make it stand out more.
To create a feeling of speed, I removed the environment in the side windows and replaced it with simple speed lines.
I kept some windowpanes sharp and blurred others to create more depth.
By cutting the person with the glass pane, I made it feel more authentic and gave it that action effect.
I love to add some extra texture at the end, and I think it was the right call — it makes the image look a lot more realistic.
shared.image.missing_image
One last edit with the Camera Raw filter, a few finishing effects — and the thumbnail is done.
Little tweaks and fun facts:
The reflections of the people in the side windows (they aren't necessary and are barely visible, but I enjoy putting in that extra effort).
Window reflections
The back seats in the car are actually a photo of my own car — I couldn't find the right stock photo, so I shot the assets myself and built them in.
Car backseats asset
Unlayered
Tools
Communication: Discord / WhatsApp
Sending files: SwissTransfer
Editing: Photoshop
AI: Photoshop Generative Fill, Magnific Upscaler
Image assets: Original photography, Magnific, Envato Elements
Which designers do you look up to?
On my journey I keep discovering new designers I look up to. These people have been especially influential and laid a special foundation, and I want to give them a shout out: Aslac, Benny Productions, PhaseRunner, Louis Angerer, TK. Thank you guys so much — you're absolute masters <3
One tool or trick you couldn't work without?
When editing faces, I've seen people color teeth and eyes white on simple layers. Instead, use the Camera Raw filter to mask.
Here's how:
Filter > Camera Raw > the icon on the right sidebar (circle with a grid) > select Person > now you can select any body part > edit it directly in Camera Raw.
If you didn't make thumbnails, what would you be making?
This might sound a bit corny, but at one point in my life I asked myself: what would I do if I had enough money, and how would I spend my free time? The answer — making art in some way. So I'd probably paint, or do something else creative.
Best thumbnail you've ever made?
This thumbnail was incredibly fun to create — from the composition with strong focal points to building each element and adding effects. It's special to me because I got to introduce my own style on the "tatsache" channel, making it stand out from typical YouTube thumbnails.
The catastrophic final minutes on ICE 884
Best thumbnail you've ever seen?
I love the storytelling in this thumbnail — it's an absolute masterclass in how a thumbnail should be built.
It shows emotion and action
You instantly understand the topic
The person's face is large and prominent
It feels like a real scene from the video without looking over-edited
Louis Angerer created this thumbnail — he's a great colleague and an absolute beast when it comes to realistic editing. When he showed me his raw materials and the result, I was stunned.
A day as an ice hockey pro with the Cologne Sharks
If you found this edition of Unlayered helpful, please consider sharing it with someone who might benefit from this workflow too! 💙