A Journey Through Print, Process, and Possibility: A chat with David Zwang | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 7

YouTube Description: In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, host Eric Vessels interviews renowned print industry analyst and consultant David Zwang to discuss the rapidly evolving world of digital embellishments, workflow automation, and what’s next for the printing industry. Topics Covered: How digital embellishments moved from niche novelty to industry game-changer Why packaging leads the way in eye-catching, tactile print innovation Common production workflow inefficiencies and strategies for optimization The power of automation and data-driven processes in modern print manufacturing The importance of industry standards (including the Ghent Workgroup) for consistent, reliable results Practical steps for PSPs to implement new technologies—and boost profitability A fun wrap-up on their favorite cocktails (tequila and mezcal, anyone?) This episode is a must-watch if you’re looking for insights on enhancing print with special effects, improving workflow efficiency, and staying competitive in a connected, digital world. Subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays episodes, where we break down the latest trends and best practices in the print industry. Like & Share if you found this conversation valuable. Thanks for tuning in—see you next Tuesday!

Eric Vessels · Let's talk about Reactor · Chief Experience Officer · Taktiful

Eric Vessels · Let's talk about Reactor · Chief Experience Officer · Taktiful

A conversation that starts with “vibe” quickly turns into something much more fundamental. In this INKISH interview, Morten Reitoft sits down with Eric Vessels from Taktiful to explore what may very well define the next phase of the print industry. Taktiful isn’t just a company. It’s a community, a training platform, and—if you ask Eric—a mindset. One that moves beyond transactions and into something far more powerful: creating fans instead of customers. Because in a world where print has been heavily commoditized, differentiation is no longer about speed or price—it’s about value, emotion, and experience. The conversation dives deep into what Eric calls “the value era” of digital embellishment. While traditional print has optimized for efficiency, embellishment opens a completely different playbook—one where uniqueness drives margin, and where tactile experiences create emotional engagement that digital media simply cannot replicate. This is where print regains its superpower. Morten challenges the thinking, pushing into pricing strategies, psychology, and the industry’s tendency to undervalue its own capabilities. From market-variable pricing models to the psychology of touch, the discussion reveals how much opportunity is still left untapped—not because the technology isn’t there, but because the mindset often isn’t. The interview also introduces Taktiful’s latest development: Reactor. A 3D visualization tool designed to bridge one of the biggest gaps in embellishment—showing rather than telling. By transforming layered PDF files into interactive, photorealistic previews, Reactor enables sales teams and customers alike to see, feel, and understand the value before anything is printed. But beneath the tools and strategies lies something else. A clear belief that the print industry doesn’t need to become something new—it needs to rediscover what already makes it unique. The ability to create physical experiences that people can touch, feel, and emotionally connect with. As Eric puts it: don’t take yourself too seriously—but take the business seriously. And maybe that balance—between playfulness and purpose—is exactly what the industry needs right now. Eric Vessels: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericvessels/

En Digital Embellishment, Design, & Dogs: A Live Chat with Xerox’s Kelly Leahy | Taktiful Tuesdays #16

Digital Embellishment, Design, & Dogs: A Live Chat with Xerox’s Kelly Leahy | Taktiful Tuesdays #16

In this special live episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, we're coming straight from the Xerox Partner Summit in Las Vegas. I sat down with my longtime friend and Xerox legend Kelly Leahy—Senior Global Product Marketing Manager—to talk about everything from digital embellishment trends and the Genesis Initiative to the psychology of print, AI in design, and how print service providers can better educate their customers. We also dive into career growth, continuous learning, baseball tournaments, and dogs. If you're curious about where the print industry is headed, how digital embellishments can boost engagement, or just want to hear two print geeks talk shop (and dogs), you’re in the right place.

En From Pressman to Print Expert: Ken Huizenga’s 40-Year Print Journey | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep 15

From Pressman to Print Expert: Ken Huizenga’s 40-Year Print Journey | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep 15

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, we sit down with industry veteran Ken Huizenga, a print production expert with over 40 years of hands-on experience. Ken has seen everything from running sheet-fed presses in the ‘80s to embracing cutting-edge digital print and embellishment technology. We dive into: - How print production has evolved over the decades - The growing demand for faster turnaround times and higher-quality print - The role of digital embellishments in shaping the future of print - The skills modern press operators need to succeed - Why preventative maintenance is key to keeping your press running smoothly And on a fun note, we also talk car racing, whiskey, and the thrill of going fast—on and off the press!

En The Future of Print Design: Digital Embellishments with Matt Redbear | Taktiful Tuesdays #14

The Future of Print Design: Digital Embellishments with Matt Redbear | Taktiful Tuesdays #14

Welcome back to another episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! 🎉 This week, we’re diving deep into digital embellishments, print design, and creative innovation with no other than Matt Redbear—a design powerhouse and thought leader in specialty printing. From his roots in analog photography to pioneering modern digital embellishments, Matt shares his expert insights on: -The magic of blending artistry with technology -How to make print more impactful and interactive -The importance of negative space and subtle embellishments - How AI and automation are shaping the future of print You won't want to miss this conversation if you're a designer, brand, or print enthusiast. Plus, we geek out over vinyl records, creative inspiration, and more!

En The Power of Print & Digital Embellishment: A Deep Dive with Daniel Dejan | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 13

The Power of Print & Digital Embellishment: A Deep Dive with Daniel Dejan | Taktiful Tuesdays Ep. 13

Welcome back to another episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! This week, host Eric Vessels sits down with the legendary Daniel Dejan—a graphic arts industry veteran, creative director at Dejan Associates, and co-founder of MarketWise Academy. Daniel brings a wealth of knowledge to the table with over four decades of experience in print production, paper selection, multi-channel marketing, and digital embellishment. In this episode, we dive into: - How print has evolved alongside digital media - The profitability challenge for printers in a rapidly changing tech landscape - The rise of digital embellishments (raised varnish, foil, haptics) and their impact on marketing - Why the power of touch makes print more memorable than digital - The future of print in a data-driven, AI-enhanced world If you're in the printing, design, or marketing industry, this episode is packed with insights you don't want to miss! Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays! #PrintingIndustry #DigitalEmbellishment #TaktifulTuesdays #Marketing #PrintMedia #AI #Haptics #GraphicDesign

Event

Taktiful Live Event Links Embellishment and Profit

Taktiful will host a Taktisphere Live! event on June 4 exploring how digital embellishment can support both sustainability and profitability. The session will feature Michael Cox of Konica Minolta and…
Enhancement

Sharp Partners with Taktiful to Unlock Embellishment Growth

Sharp has partnered with Taktiful to bring advanced digital embellishment capabilities to its BP-1200S production platform. The collaboration combines visualization software and training to help print providers create higher-value applications…
Enhancement

Taktiful Launches March Madness Bracket Challenge to Rally the Digital Embellishment Community

Taktiful launched the 2026 Taktisphere March Madness Bracket Challenge, inviting print professionals to compete in a friendly NCAA tournament prediction contest. Hosted inside the company’s new Taktisphere community platform, the…
Software

Taktiful Launches AI-Powered Pricing Platform to Demystify Digital Embellishment Costs

Taktiful has launched Taktify, an AI-powered cloud platform that simplifies pricing for digital print embellishments by delivering instant, data-driven estimates and recommendations. Early adopters like The Kennickell Group report improved…
Software

Taktiful new Ghent Workgroup member

Kevin Abergel has significantly advanced digital embellishment through Taktiful, promoting standardization and profitability for PSPs. Now, Taktiful has become a member of the Ghent Workgroup. Well done.
Mar 05 , 2025
Taktiful
Suite 130 #676 6300 N Wickham Road
32940 Melbourne
Florida
USA
Tel. : (321) 574-2296
Email : info@taktiful.com

Tue May 26th

Ep 53: Digital Embellishment as a Business St...

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Ed Wiegand, President and CEO of JetFX Inc., to talk about digital embellishment as more than a visual upgrade. It can be a strategy for profitability, differentiation, sustainability, and growth. Ed shares how his background in labels, packaging, combination printing, and digital production shaped the creation of JetFX. He explains why digital embellishment is gaining traction across labels, nutraceuticals, cannabis, cosmetics, candles, flexible packaging, and more. The conversation covers how UV inkjet based embellishment can reduce waste, lower make-ready time, support variable effects, improve margins, and help brands stand out in crowded markets. Eric and Ed also discuss retrofit systems, single pass embellishment, security printing, flexible packaging, tactile effects, and why touch remains one of print’s strongest advantages. Plus, Ed previews the upcoming Taktisphere Live! event, "Profit is the New Green", happening Thursday, June 4 at 1 p.m. Register here: https://taktisphere.com/c/taktisphere-live/profit-is-the-new-green-how-digital-embellishment-changes-the-game