Digitally + Traditionally Finished PaperSpecs LIVE Name Badge

While most designers these days are familiar with the pros and cons of Digital Printing, few know much at all about Digital Finishing techniques. 

Attendees of our PaperSpecs LIVE design conference received a crash course in the strengths and limitations of today’s cutting-edge digital – as well as traditional – techniques, all in the most unlikely of places: the humble name badge.

Designed by fiZz Agency and produced by Classic Color and LPI, this piece is actually 2 creations in 1. 

The ‘Digital’ Side

The Black side, offset printed on 14 pt. Sappi Spectro C1S stock [PaperSpecs PRO members: Get Swatchbook!], consists solely of digital embellishments. These include: 

  • Cast and Cure holographic effects that shimmer when the badge is moved
  • Multi-layered raised patterns provided by LPI using a Scodix digital polymer based embellishment system.

One of the most remarkable aspects of digital embellishment? No dies are needed!

Not only does this spare you the extra expense of die fabrication and the added turnaround time to make them, but it also means that adjustments can be made electronically “on press,” rather than having to create a whole new die for each change.

Want to raise a line a little higher off the paper for a taller “emboss,” for example? No problem.  

So where does that leave traditional embellishments like Embossing and Debossing? Let’s turn the badge over and find out.

The ‘Traditional’ Side

Here you find the identical artwork, created by artist and LIVE conference guest speaker Alyssa Low, which allows you to accurately compare traditional and digital techniques.

Offset printed in Neon Pink on 100 lb. Mohawk Via White Vellum Cover, this side features the “analog” versions of the digital effects on the reverse, including:

  • Embossing and Debossing
  • Clear and Holographic Foil

The first difference you notice is the higher, smoother, more precisely defined tactile quality of the Embossing. The Deboss, as in the star shape, is deeper, too. 

The uncoated Mohawk sheet also serves to emphasize these tactile effects and the texture overall, compared with the digital side’s smoother finish and higher gloss on the coated Spectro.


Traditional or Digital Embellishments: Which is Best?

The grommet eyelet not only holds the 2 name badges neatly together, but it also allows you to slide them apart like a swatch deck to compare their backs. 

Notice something? That’s right: Where the traditional side is bruised on the back, the digital one is perfectly smooth. 

So is traditional or digital embellishment best for your work?

As always, it depends on a number of factors, including your budget, the size of your print run, and the amount of time you have to work with. 

What was our No. 1 take away from this name badge project? Talking to your printing and finishing partners before you even begin designing is crucial. It really is the name of the game 😉

Project Details

Title PaperSpecs LIVE 2024 Name Badge Client PaperSpecs Date September 2024 Design Design: fiZz Agency
Artwork: Alyssa Low
Print Classic Color
LPI
Paper Digital Side: Sappi Spectro 14pt. C1S
Traditional Side: Mohawk Via Vellum White 100 lb. Cover

Production Details

Dimensions 3.5” X 6.5” Production Time 3 Days Number of Colors 3 (PMS 806C + PMS130 + Black) Finishing and Binding Punch, Eyelet Insertion, Embossing/Debossing, Scodix Polymer Based Enhancements, Hot Foil Stamping
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