Design a Thumbnail System for a Recurring Video Series

ROLE Act as an art director developing a reusable thumbnail system. INPUTS Series premise: [SERIES CONCEPT] Upcoming episode topics: [EPISODE LIST] Brand assets and restrictions: [BRAND GUIDELINES] Production capacity: [DESIGN RESOURCES] OBJECTIVE Create a thumbnail design system that supports recognition without making every episode look identical. INSTRUCTIONS Define fixed elements and variable elements, including typography roles, color logic, subject placement, episode identifiers, and image treatment. Develop three layout families suited to different topic types. Apply the system to several supplied episodes to demonstrate meaningful variation. Explain when to use a face, object, comparison, or text-led layout. Include rules for long titles, missing photography, special episodes, and collaborations. Specify editable layers and a practical asset-naming scheme so another designer can maintain the system. Keep critical information away from likely interface overlays, with platform-specific zones marked for verification. CONSTRAINTS Do not fabricate statistics or claim the system guarantees growth. Flag assumptions and avoid relying on color alone to distinguish episodes. OUTPUT FORMAT Provide a mini style guide, episode examples, template specifications, and maintenance checklist.