The digital print embellishment industry is on the brink of a transformative evolution. In the latest episode of The Digital Embellishment Show, host Kevin Abergel tackled a subject that’s been generating buzz across the printing world: the urgent need for standardized practices in digital embellishments. Joined by an expert panel comprising Sabine Lenz of PaperSpecs, Sean Roberts from Konica Minolta USA, and Ryan Moskun of Harris & Bruno, the discussion centered on how a lack of standardization impacts designers, print service providers (PSPs), and equipment manufacturers alike.

“It’s the Wild West,” Abergel remarked during his opening monologue, referencing the industry’s current state of inconsistency. With technology evolving rapidly, industry players face challenges in ensuring consistency, clarity, and quality control. The episode, described as a follow-up to Abergel’s widely-read article “The Case for Standards in Digital Embellishments,”explored these challenges and potential solutions, highlighting the benefits of a unified approach.

Sabine Lenz, founder of PaperSpecs and a leading advocate for the design community, shed light on the confusion designers face. “A confused mind doesn’t make any decisions,” she said. With over 19,000 print creatives in her network, Lenz emphasized that inconsistent terminology—such as the interchangeable use of “soft touch” and “velvet coating”—leaves designers bewildered. This confusion often leads them to stick to traditional four-color printing, bypassing the rich possibilities digital embellishments offer.