YouTube Banner (Channel Art) — Premium / Minimalist (no amateurism)

I'm hiring a premium-level designer to create one YouTube channel banner for my project DrumBetter (online drum lessons).

If you do “generic Canva art”, sloppy cutouts, crude shadows, random fonts and 2012-style layouts — please don't contact me. I want a professional, clean, elegant, brand-quality finish.

STYLE I'M AFTER
Minimalist + premium + modern, for example:

* Chris Williamson (clean banner, integrated photo, no visual clutter)
* Think Media (clean, clear branding, strong composition)
* Ed Lawrence (well-cut and integrated photo, use of negative space)

No “Subscribe and enable notifications” callouts, no extra icons, no collage.

REQUIRED ELEMENTS ON THE BANNER

1. Main headline (large):
NOT ANOTHER DRUM PLATFORM.

2. Subheadline (smaller):
Real 1-to-1 Coaching for Rock & Pop Drummers.

3. Small badge (discreet corner label):
Backbeat Code • Free 5-Day Mini Course
Note: this is a label, not a second text block.

4. My photo (I will provide):
I want the photo truly integrated, with impeccable cutout, and lighting/tones adjusted to match the background.
It should not look “pasted” onto the banner.

5. Palette/brand:
Deep navy / dark blue base with a subtle gradient, premium style (I'll provide site references).

MUST-HAVE REQUIREMENTS

* Portfolio with premium-level work (branding / high-end headers / social headers).
* Professional cutout skills (perfect hair/edge) + color matching.
* Good typographic choices (no random fonts).
* Understanding of composition, hierarchy, spacing and YouTube safe area.

DELIVERABLES

* Final banner 2560 x 1440 (PNG)
* Optimized version (lightweight JPG/PNG)
* Editable source file (PSD / AI / Figma) with organized layers
* Optional: a second variation with a small layout change (if agreed)

PROCESS (TO AVOID CONFUSION)

1. You send 1 draft/preview (low-res) showing layout and typography.
2. I approve the direction.
3. You finalize with cutout, color, texture and exports.

WHAT I DON'T WANT

* Generic template art
* Excessive text
* Gamer/over-the-top “youtuber” elements
* Heavy effects (glow, bevel, harsh shadows)

TO APPLY, SEND

1. Link to your portfolio (required)
2. 2–3 similar works (headers/banners/brand social)
3. Start your message with the word “PREMIUM” so I know you read everything
4. In one sentence: how do you ensure the photo does not look “pasted on”?

Thank you!