Ep 45: State of Digital Embellishment – Trends, Data, and the Future of Print with Richard Romano

After a long hiatus, Taktiful Tuesdays is back with Episode 45 and a conversation that takes a big-picture look at where digital embellishment stands today.

Eric Vessels sits down with Richard Romano, Managing Editor at WhatTheyThink, to explore how the embellishment landscape has evolved since his first appearance on Episode 2. With decades of experience covering the printing industry, Richard shares insight into what has changed, what misconceptions still exist, and why the data matters.

The discussion dives into the growing visibility of digital embellishment following drupa, the importance of industry surveys, and how printers can better position embellishments to drive value rather than simply adding cost. Eric and Richard also explore emerging applications, the need for clearer terminology and standards, and the role new technologies could play in the next phase of print innovation.

Topics covered include:

• Why digital embellishment adoption is accelerating
• Key findings and expectations from the WhatTheyThink and Taktiful Digital Embellishment Survey
• Misconceptions about embellishments being limited to luxury brands
• Applications gaining momentum including direct mail, packaging, labels, and book covers
• The importance of training, sales strategy, and business planning
• Why standards and shared terminology will matter as the market grows
• Emerging opportunities including direct to object printing

If you’re a printer exploring embellishments, a designer curious about tactile print, or simply someone who wants to understand where print is heading next, this episode is packed with insight.

Take the Digital Embellishment Survey and help shape the industry’s understanding of where this technology is headed.