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Cutting Through the Confusion: Is There an Easy Button for Digital Embellishment Design?

Digital embellishment technologies are on the rise, and are making high-end luxurious prints easier and cheaper to do than ever before. Yet the biggest challenge most PSPs encounter is still linked to file design. Guest contributor Kevin Abergel explains how it is still the “wild west” when it comes to embellishment technologies and formats—and it’s not clear who should be leading the charge in educating designers.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Emotion. When you are adding embellishments to print, there is only one goal in mind, and that is creating emotion. Whether it be through a tactile raised effect that makes the bark on the tree you just printed feel like a real tree, a hypnotizing foil effect that mesmerizes, or a metallic or fluorescent toner that is artfully woven into a design for maximum visual impact, the idea is the same: to make you feel something more than just CMYK.

Designers know a thing or two about emotion. In fact, one could say their entire livelihood is predicated on using art to convey messaging that, when successfully done, can inspire consumers to discover new products, everyday people to build an implicit relationship with brands, to donate their money to a cause, or even try to change the world.

So why is it that with the rise of digital embellishment technologies now making high-end luxurious prints easier and cheaper to do than ever before, the biggest challenge most PSPs encounter is still linked to file design?


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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 Shelf Isn’t Silent: Why Embellishment Is Becoming Packaging’s Loudest Voice

The Shelf Isn’t Silent: Why Embellishment Is Becoming Packaging’s Loudest Voice

Taktiful’s Kevin Abergel spoke with Marika Knorr of CCL Label to unpack what is quietly becoming one of the most influential forces in packaging today. What emerged from the conversation was not just a discussion about printing techniques or decorative effects. It was a deeper look at how embellishment is reshaping the way brands compete, communicate, and convert at the shelf. Read More

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