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Going for the Gold: Pro Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Digital Embellishment Production

Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel talks to three experienced digital embellishment producers about how they get the best results from different papers, laminates, and foils and how they feed that knowledge back to their customers. 

Thursday, February 09, 2023

The embellishment of print is a creative art that traces its origins back 500 years to Erhard Ratdolt, who first used gold for printing a gloriously spectacular full page of dedication in a number of copies of his editio princeps of Euclid.   

Fast forward to today’s digital processes, the use of computer graphics for design and new digital technologies using various toners, inks, and varnishes for production, has only added to the explosive creative potential.  

It would be a mistake, though, to assume that the creativity begins and ends with a designer with a graphics app. The choices of substrates, surface effects, textures, and foil types are just as important. 


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About Kevin Abergel

Kevin Abergel is a 18 year veteran in the Graphic Communications industry. Upon graduation from the University of Florida and subsequently the Florida Institute of Technology with an MBA; Mr. Abergel joined MGI Digital Technology in 2005. He attributes his long and highly successful career in digital and sensory embellishment to his keen focus on its markets -dedicating his work entirely to solving customer business problems through the enablement of innovative technologies and team building. Mr. Abergel’s unique, customized approach to each customer, reflects his deep belief that no two customers are alike, anywhere in the world, nor are the needs of their businesses.

Recent Articles from Kevin Abergel

The Rise of a New Voice in Digital Embellishment Design: How Emelie Dahlbacka Is Shaping the Future of Fifth- and Sixth-Color Print

The Rise of a New Voice in Digital Embellishment Design: How Emelie Dahlbacka Is Shaping the Future of Fifth- and Sixth-Color Print

For years, the spotlight has been fixed on presses, speeds, substrates, and finishing capabilities. But as digital embellishment technology matures, a new truth is emerging. Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel explains how the real differentiator is no longer just what the machines can do, but what designers choose to do with them. Read More

Meet Emelie Dahlbacka: The Next Rockstar of 5th & 6th Color Embellishment Design

Meet Emelie Dahlbacka: The Next Rockstar of 5th & 6th Color Embellishment Design

In this episode of the Digital Embellishment Show, Kevin Abergel sits down with Emelie Dahlbacka, Creative Director at VBS in Sweden, who is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting designers working with fifth- and sixth-color technology today. From her first experience with specialty toners to winning global awards, Emelie shares how she approaches design with the machine in mind and why that mindset is the key to unlocking real value in embellishments. Read More

Digital Embellishment Market Booms: Top Applications and Emerging Use Cases

Digital Embellishment Market Booms: Top Applications and Emerging Use Cases

In part 2 of this two-part feature, Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel talks with Sean Roberts, National Director of Digital Embellishment at Konica Minolta, about the kinds of applications that are seeing the most traction with digital embellishment. Read More

Digital Embellishment Market Booms: Insights and Trends for 2026 and Beyond

Digital Embellishment Market Booms: Insights and Trends for 2026 and Beyond

In part 1 of this two-part feature, Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel talks with Sean Roberts, National Director of Digital Embellishment at Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta) about the latest trends driving this market, from the rise of embellished direct mail to innovations on the horizon. Read More

Why Digital Embellishment Is the Next Packaging Arms Race

Why Digital Embellishment Is the Next Packaging Arms Race

In this episode of the Digital Embellishment Show, Kevin Abergel talks with Michael Cox of Konica Minolta about where the label and packaging market is headed, why digital embellishment is gaining momentum, and how premium packaging helps brands win on shelf. Read More