Social Media Designer
SKILL.md
Social Media Designer
A social media design expert that creates platform-optimized graphics for maximum engagement. This skill combines platform best practices, visual design principles, and content strategy to produce scroll-stopping social media content that drives results.
From Instagram posts to Twitter headers to LinkedIn carousels, this skill ensures your social content looks professional, on-brand, and optimized for each platform's unique requirements.
Core Workflows
Workflow 1: Instagram Content Suite
-
Define content type
- Feed post (single or carousel)
- Story
- Reel cover
- Highlight cover
- Profile picture
-
Design feed post
- Dimensions: 1080x1080px (square) or 1080x1350px (portrait)
- Visual hierarchy for quick scanning
- Brand colors and fonts
- On-brand photography or graphics
- Text overlay (readable on mobile)
-
Create story template
- Dimensions: 1080x1920px
- Safe zones (avoid top/bottom 250px)
- Interactive elements (polls, questions, sliders)
- Swipe-up or link sticker area
- Consistent brand frame
-
Build content series
- Template for consistency
- Color-coded by category
- Reusable elements
- Variation within system
Workflow 2: LinkedIn Professional Graphics
-
Choose format
- Single image post: 1200x627px
- Carousel: 1080x1080px per slide
- Article header: 1200x627px
- Company page cover: 1128x191px
- Profile banner: 1584x396px
-
Design for platform
- Professional, polished aesthetic
- Data-driven content
- Industry-relevant imagery
- Thought leadership focus
- Clear value proposition
-
Create carousel
- Compelling cover slide
- One idea per slide
- Consistent template
- Strong conclusion/CTA
- Page numbers or progress indicator
-
Optimize for feed
- Hook in first 2 lines
- Visual supports text
- Professional photography
- Avoid overly promotional
Workflow 3: Twitter/X Visual Content
-
Design tweet images
- Dimensions: 1200x675px (16:9)
- High contrast for timeline
- Bold, simple message
- Works as thumbnail
- Text readable at small size
-
Create header image
- Dimensions: 1500x500px
- Brand expression
- Seasonal or campaign updates
- Visual interest, not busy
- Works with profile picture
-
Design thread graphics
- Consistent style across thread
- Numbered or sequential
- Eye-catching colors
- Quote graphics
- Data visualizations
Workflow 4: Multi-Platform Campaign
-
Design master concept
- Core message/visual
- Adaptable composition
- Flexible color system
- Reusable elements
-
Adapt for each platform
- Resize for specs
- Adjust safe zones
- Platform-appropriate tone
- Optimize text size
-
Create platform variants
- Instagram: 1080x1080px
- Facebook: 1200x630px
- Twitter: 1200x675px
- LinkedIn: 1200x627px
- Pinterest: 1000x1500px
- TikTok: 1080x1920px
-
Maintain consistency
- Same core message
- Recognizable brand elements
- Adapted, not duplicated
- Platform-native feel
Quick Reference
| Action | Command/Trigger |
|---|---|
| Instagram post | "Design Instagram post about [topic]" |
| Story template | "Create Instagram story template" |
| LinkedIn carousel | "Design LinkedIn carousel on [topic]" |
| Twitter graphic | "Create Twitter image for [content]" |
| Multi-platform | "Design social campaign for [message]" |
| Profile graphics | "Create social media profile graphics" |
Platform Specifications
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed (square) | 1080x1080px | 1:1 | Most common |
| Feed (portrait) | 1080x1350px | 4:5 | More feed space |
| Feed (landscape) | 1080x566px | 1.91:1 | Less common |
| Story | 1080x1920px | 9:16 | Safe zone matters |
| Reel | 1080x1920px | 9:16 | Vertical video |
| Profile Picture | 320x320px | 1:1 | Displays 110x110 |
| Highlight Cover | 1080x1920px | 9:16 | Center circle |
Best Practices:
- Bright, vibrant colors perform better
- Faces increase engagement
- Minimal text (not text-heavy platform)
- Consistent aesthetic/grid
- Stories: Top 25% and bottom 35% are safe zones
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed Image | 1200x630px | 1.91:1 | Link preview size |
| Feed Square | 1200x1200px | 1:1 | Alternative |
| Story | 1080x1920px | 9:16 | Same as IG |
| Cover Photo (Personal) | 820x312px | 2.7:1 | Profile |
| Cover Photo (Page) | 820x312px | 2.7:1 | Business |
| Event Cover | 1920x1005px | 1.91:1 | Desktop optimized |
Best Practices:
- Less polished than Instagram
- Longer captions work
- Community-focused content
- Video performs best
- Profile picture: 170x170px display
Twitter/X
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-stream Photo | 1200x675px | 16:9 | Recommended |
| Header Photo | 1500x500px | 3:1 | Profile banner |
| Profile Photo | 400x400px | 1:1 | Displays smaller |
Best Practices:
- High contrast for timeline visibility
- Keep text large and bold
- Works at thumbnail size
- Header: Mind profile pic overlap
- Timeline is fast-scrolling
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Image | 1200x627px | 1.91:1 | Article preview |
| Carousel | 1080x1080px | 1:1 | Per slide |
| Company Cover | 1128x191px | 5.9:1 | Page header |
| Personal Banner | 1584x396px | 4:1 | Profile |
| Logo | 300x300px | 1:1 | Square |
Best Practices:
- Professional aesthetic
- Data and insights perform well
- Carousels get high engagement
- Text-heavy is acceptable
- Industry-relevant content
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Pin | 1000x1500px | 2:3 | Recommended |
| Square Pin | 1000x1000px | 1:1 | Alternative |
| Long Pin | 1000x2100px | 1:2.1 | Max height |
| Profile Picture | 165x165px | 1:1 | Circular |
| Board Cover | 600x600px | 1:1 | Square |
Best Practices:
- Vertical formats perform best
- Bright, eye-catching
- Text overlays work well
- How-to and tutorials excel
- Lifestyle imagery
TikTok
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video | 1080x1920px | 9:16 | Vertical |
| Profile Picture | 200x200px | 1:1 | Circular |
Best Practices:
- Thumbnail matters
- Fast-paced content
- Authentic, not polished
- Trending audio/effects
- Hook in first 3 seconds
YouTube
| Format | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thumbnail | 1280x720px | 16:9 | Critical for CTR |
| Channel Cover | 2560x1440px | 16:9 | Desktop |
| Profile Picture | 800x800px | 1:1 | Circular display |
Best Practices:
- Thumbnail: Bold text, faces, contrast
- Test safe zones for mobile
- Consistent branding
- Eye-catching colors
Design Principles for Social
Mobile-First
- Most views on mobile
- Large text (minimum 40pt headlines)
- High contrast
- Thumb-friendly interaction zones
Scroll-Stopping
- First impression in 0.5 seconds
- Bold colors and contrast
- Faces and people
- Pattern interruption
- Curiosity gap
Brand Consistency
- Recognizable color palette
- Consistent fonts
- Recurring visual elements
- Template system
- Cohesive feed aesthetic
Platform-Native
- Match platform culture
- Use platform features
- Appropriate tone
- Don't just repost everywhere
Value-First
- Educational, entertaining, or inspiring
- Clear benefit to viewer
- Not overly promotional
- Shareable content
Content Categories
Educational
- How-to graphics
- Tips and tricks
- Stat graphics
- Infographics
- Explainer posts
Inspirational
- Quote graphics
- Motivational content
- Success stories
- Before/after
- Testimonials
Entertainment
- Memes (on-brand)
- Relatable content
- Behind-the-scenes
- Fun facts
- Interactive (polls, quizzes)
Promotional
- Product launches
- Sale announcements
- Event promotion
- Case studies
- Demo videos
Community
- User-generated content
- Team spotlights
- Customer features
- Q&A
- Challenges/contests
Typography for Social Media
Headline Sizes
- Instagram feed: 60-80pt
- Instagram story: 80-120pt
- LinkedIn: 48-72pt
- Twitter: 72-96pt
Font Choices
- Bold, high-contrast fonts
- Sans-serif for readability
- Avoid thin weights
- Limit to 2 fonts
- Consistent hierarchy
Text Amount
- Instagram feed: Minimal (image speaks)
- Instagram story: Short, scannable
- LinkedIn: Can be text-heavy
- Twitter: Concise, punchy
- Pinterest: Descriptive headlines
Color Strategy
High-Contrast Palettes
- Stand out in crowded feeds
- Improve mobile readability
- Create visual hierarchy
- Aid accessibility
Brand Colors
- Primary color prominently
- Accent for highlights
- Consistent background treatment
- Recognize at glance
Platform Considerations
- Instagram: Bright, saturated
- LinkedIn: Professional, muted
- Twitter: Bold, attention-grabbing
- Pinterest: Soft, aspirational
Best Practices
- Optimize for mobile: 80%+ view on phones
- Safe zones: Mind platform UI overlap
- Readable text: High contrast, large size
- Brand consistency: Recognizable at glance
- Platform-specific: Don't just duplicate
- Test before posting: View at actual size
- A/B test: Try variations, learn what works
- Accessible: Alt text, captions, contrast
- File size: Compress without quality loss
- Templates: Speed up production
- Stay current: Platforms change specs
- Engage quickly: Hook in first 2 seconds
Deliverables Format
SOCIAL MEDIA DESIGN PACKAGE
Campaign: [Name]
Duration: [Dates]
Platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter
DESIGN CONCEPT
Theme: [Description]
Message: [Core message]
Style: [Modern/Minimal/Bold/etc.]
ASSET LIST
1. Instagram Feed Post
Dimensions: 1080x1080px
Format: PNG/JPG
Design:
- Background: [Brand gradient]
- Headline: "[Text]" - [Font] Bold 72pt
- Subtext: "[Text]" - [Font] Regular 32pt
- Logo: Bottom right corner
- CTA: "[Text]" - Button style
Midjourney prompt (if applicable):
"[Detailed prompt for background imagery]"
2. Instagram Story
Dimensions: 1080x1920px
Format: PNG with transparency
Design:
- Safe zones respected
- Link sticker area: 250px from bottom
- Progress indicator: Top
- Swipe-up affordance
- Interactive element: Poll at 40% height
3. LinkedIn Carousel (5 slides)
Dimensions: 1080x1080px each
Format: PDF (all slides)
Slide 1 (Cover):
- Hook headline
- Eye-catching visual
- "Swipe for [benefit]"
Slides 2-4 (Content):
- One idea per slide
- Supporting visual
- Consistent template
Slide 5 (CTA):
- Summary
- Call to action
- Contact info
4. Twitter Image
Dimensions: 1200x675px
Format: PNG
Design:
- Bold statement
- High contrast
- Minimal text
- Works as thumbnail
FILES DELIVERED
- IG-feed-post-v1.png
- IG-story-template.png
- LinkedIn-carousel-slides.pdf
- LinkedIn-carousel-slide-1.png (individual)
- [... individual slides ...]
- Twitter-image.png
- Social-media-templates.fig (Figma source)
BRAND ELEMENTS USED
Colors:
- Primary: #HEX
- Secondary: #HEX
- Accent: #HEX
Fonts:
- Headline: [Font] Bold
- Body: [Font] Regular
Logo: [Version used]
USAGE GUIDELINES
Instagram:
- Post between 11am-1pm or 7pm-9pm
- Use hashtags: #tag1 #tag2 #tag3
- Tag relevant accounts
- Encourage saves and shares
LinkedIn:
- Post Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm
- Tag company page
- Write compelling caption (100-200 words)
- Engage with comments
Twitter:
- Include link to blog post
- Use 2-3 hashtags max
- Tag mentions
- Pin for 24 hours
METRICS TO TRACK
- Reach
- Engagement rate
- Saves (Instagram)
- Shares (LinkedIn)
- Click-through rate
Templates to Create
Content Pillars (recurring series)
- Monday Motivation (quote)
- Tip Tuesday (educational)
- Wisdom Wednesday (insight)
- Throwback Thursday (timeline)
- Feature Friday (customer/product)
Post Types
- Announcement template
- Testimonial template
- Stat graphic template
- Quote graphic template
- How-to template
- Behind-the-scenes template
Tools Integration
- Use Midjourney for custom imagery and backgrounds
- Use color-palette-generator for brand-aligned colors
- Use typography-advisor for font pairings
- Use infographic-designer for data posts
- Use mockup-generator for product showcases
Common Requests
Product launch: Multi-platform announcement graphics with product imagery Quote post: Minimal design with typography focus Stat graphic: Data visualization for LinkedIn/Instagram Story series: 3-5 connected stories with swipe progression Carousel: Educational 5-10 slide deck for LinkedIn Profile refresh: New headers, profile pics across platforms