When creatives gather, ideas spark and multiply. Such was the case when Cardtonic assembled 30 of the most influential Nigerian designers in a single room. An invite-only event comprising the Mixer and a design challenge.
The conversations centred on the latest design trends following the wave of AI disruptions. They discussed Cardtonic’s Design is Changing report, and launched the Perfectly Imperfect Challenge with prize money to reward creatives.
It was a gathering that demonstrated Cardtonic’s increasing relevance in the creative discourse. It didn’t just create a spark; it engaged and backed local talents with real stakes. Here is how Cardtonic is investing in the Nigerian creative community.
The MIXER: What went down
It was an event to remember. The designers trickled in and found their clique. And of course, the awkward silence just before the icebreaker. Introductions and games followed, which helped to loosen up the atmosphere and spark conversations.
Gradually, the room shifted and brimmed with discussions such that the hosts had to signal the audience to round up. Overall, creatives were enthusiastic and exercised minimal restraint. Each was eager to share their thoughts about recent developments in the design space.
The main discussion for the evening centred around the Cardtonic’s Design Is Changing report and equally AI in design. Overall, it was a vibrant outing with plenty of refreshments to go round. The audience responded amicably and even requested takeaways.
The Perfectly Imperfect challenge
The Cardtonic team unveiled the Perfectly Imperfect Challenge, open to every Nigerian-based designer. The goal was to interpret the concept of organic imperfection in modern design.
Based on the Cardtonic report; 72% of users associate pixel-perfect design with low-effort, automated content. In contrast, Imperfect designs generate 1.5x higher interaction rates.
The challenge both led conversations and provided clarity about originality for Nigerian creatives, especially as AI has lowered the bar and made good design easily accessible.
“Every product we’ve built answered the same question our founders asked on day one: Does this solve a real problem for someone trying to participate in the global economy but hitting a wall? This challenge asks the same question, just in a different medium.”
The two-week Perfectly Imperfect challenge was scheduled to run between June 1 and 14, 2026. It was designed for Nigerian creatives. Three winners were to receive 1M naira each.
The brief was to create a design that interpreted perfectly imperfect as defined in the Cardtonic’s Design is Changing report.
“Show us what perfectly imperfect means to you and stand a chance to be one of three designers to win 1,000,000 naira each.”
Lawal, Marketing Associate
However, submissions for this year’s challenge are already closed. Three winners will be announced on June 17, 2026, via X Spaces. They share from the 3M naira prize pool, each going home with 1M naira.
Significance of the Mixer and the Design Challenge
For designers, the MIXER and design challenge wasn’t just another meet-up. It was an opportunity to be seen and heard and interact with a brand they use daily. Furthermore, it bolstered confidence, not panic, among the Nigerian creatives, especially in the spate of AI disruptions in design.
“We didn’t build this to sell something. We built it because the designers who use our products deserve more than panic. They deserve clarity.”
Ejenavi Peter – Graphics Designer
For Cardtonic, it wasn’t just a regular event. It was also an opportunity to lead conversations in the Nigerian creative industry. It was a chance to commission and back original design thinking via the design challenge.
Ever since its debut in 2019, Cardtonic has enabled regular Nigerians to pay internationally via virtual dollar cards without FX restrictions that bedevil the country’s participation in global commerce.
In addition, Cardtonic’s eSIM helps Nigerian travellers stay connected across the globe without swapping physical SIMs.
Conclusion
Beyond fintech, Cardtonic has expanded its influence to the creative space without diminishing its true core identity. It is investing in the Nigerian creative community and backing local talents.
Unlike most brands, which stop at talking to creatives, it has gone from just sponsorship to real financial stakes, research, and curation.
And as evidenced by the Mixer and design challenge event, Cardtonic has followed up on the inaugural Design is Changing report to help Nigerian creatives engage and interact. It has successfully built a room to discuss current design trends shaping the future of design today.
