LInps is looking for cartoonists and illustrators for new gaming cards.

The Italian National Institute for Social Security (Inps) has launched a creative initiative aimed at engaging younger generations through visually appealing illustrations inspired by gaming aesthetics. The project, titled “Create with us the next card,” invites comic artists, illustrators, and digital creators to reinterpret official templates into stylized cards that reflect services offered by the institution. The deadline for submissions is August 28, 2026, and participants will have until then to select one of three proposed Inps services and reimagine them using their own artistic style. However, unlike traditional contests, this initiative does not offer monetary compensation for selected works. The campaign forms part of a broader effort by Inps to modernize its public image and connect more effectively with younger demographics. By drawing inspiration from video games and collectible trading cards, the organization hopes to bridge the gap between its traditional role in social security and the visual language preferred by under-30s. According to the guidelines published alongside the call for entries, the selected illustrations will become part of an official collection used for communication, dissemination, and display during events and dedicated initiatives. Participants are informed that they will receive no financial reward, nor will they be granted contracts or attendance stipends. The lack of financial incentives has sparked debate among creative professionals. While the Inps emphasizes that the initiative is cultural and creative in nature, it explicitly states that participation is free of charge. Artists retain ownership of their work but must grant the institute a non-exclusive license for use in promotional activities. This arrangement allows Inps to leverage the artwork for its communication goals while ensuring the creators maintain intellectual property rights over their contributions. Such practices are not uncommon in the world of public institutions seeking cost-effective ways to enhance branding efforts. However, the situation appears particularly striking given the current state of the graphic design and illustration industry, which has been significantly impacted by precarious employment conditions, undervaluation of skills, and the rise of artificial intelligence. In an environment where many creatives struggle to secure stable income, offering visibility instead of payment raises questions about the sustainability of such projects and whether they truly serve the intended purpose of fostering creativity. The Inps initiative highlights a growing trend among public entities to harness the talents of independent artists without direct financial investment. While the organization argues that the cultural value of the project justifies the absence of monetary rewards, critics point out that this approach risks reinforcing existing dynamics where unpaid labor is exchanged for exposure or professional recognition. Whether this strategy will attract sufficient participation from the targeted demographic remains uncertain, especially considering the high level of competition within the creative sector. The response from potential participants is yet to be fully assessed. Some artists might view the opportunity as a chance to gain institutional credibility and expand their portfolios, while others could see it as another instance of exploiting creative labor without adequate compensation. As the submission period approaches, the extent to which the Inps’s vision aligns with the expectations and realities of the creative community will become clearer.