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In Episode 47 of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Karlien Murray for a wide-ranging conversation on print, packaging, luxury materials, and the power of embellishments to create real value. Karlien shares her unconventional journey into print, from writing legislation in South Africa to working in photography, building a print business, moving to the United States, and ultimately finding her place in luxury cover materials and packaging. They dig into what makes embellishments matter, why perceived value starts before someone even touches a printed piece, and how printers can better connect brand vision to production reality. Karlien also offers sharp insight into the role of specifiers, the importance of samples, and why showing is always more powerful than telling. Topics include: • Karlien’s path into print and packaging • Why embellishments create perceived value • The connection between touch, attention, and luxury • How printers can position embellishments as a value driver • Why samples matter more than explanations • The role of the specifier in bridging concept and production • Building relationships instead of staying transactional • Why happiness is a choice - and how that mindset shapes everything If you care about print, packaging, customer experience, and the future of premium branded materials, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. #TaktifulTuesdays #Print #Packaging #DigitalEmbellishment #LuxuryPackaging #BrandExperience #CustomerExperience #PrintInnovation
In Episode 46 of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Jason Leonard of Neenah Fine Paper, now part of Mativ, to kick off a new series featuring members of the Taktisphere Advisory Council. Jason shares his journey from growing up in a black and white photo lab to working across major print technologies, OEMs, and paper innovation. The conversation dives deep into the often overlooked role of paper as a foundational element of print and why it should be considered an embellishment in its own right. They explore how paper, digital embellishments, and technology work together to create emotional impact, why printers must rethink commoditization, and how collaboration across competitors can move the industry forward. Key topics include: • Why paper is the OG tactile experience in print • The balance between embellishment and over-design • The “armpit test” and what makes print worth keeping • Challenges facing printers today and how to overcome them • The importance of collaboration across OEMs and print providers • Why creativity and value matter more than cost Plus, Jason shares insights on music, guitars, and his unexpected background in culinary school. This episode is all about blending timeless print fundamentals with modern innovation.
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.
On Episode 44 of Taktiful Tuesdays, we're sitting down with Bryan Topham — a marketer, technologist, and former rugby player who’s seen it all in the world of print. From wide format to packaging to digital embellishment, Bryan brings the kind of creative energy and practical insight we love around here. We talk about the evolution of label and packaging, how embellishments drive brand decisions, what sports teach us about leadership, and how curiosity (and a willingness to break the rules) opens doors. There’s even a Jayhawk wall decal story in here. Whether you're a print geek, a packaging nerd, or just someone who believes in the power of collaboration and great design, this one’s worth your time. 👀 Watch. Like. Subscribe. Let’s go.
This week on Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Brad Drever, the founder and driving force behind Skandacor. Brad shares the wild ride of starting out in a garage with a laminator and a dream, to becoming one of the most innovative forces in the digital embellishment game. We talk about the brand new Finish Pro 3D1623 - a machine that's shaking up the market by making high-end inkjet embellishment actually affordable for smaller shops. If you're a printer who's been priced out of this space in the past, you're going to want to hear this. But it’s not just about machines - Brad drops some serious wisdom on design, implementation, and why training and creativity matter more than ever in the value era of print. And as always, we go beyond the business and dive into what drives Brad personally, from his passion for reimagining education to the teachers and mentors that shaped his path. Don't miss this one – it’s full of heart, hustle, and ideas that could change your business.
This week on Taktiful Tuesdays, we’re joined by Paul Furse – aka the digital embellishment guy – who recently stepped into a new role as Global Director of Marketing and Head of Business Development Americas at Harris & Bruno. We talk about his journey from growing up in a third-generation sign-painting family in New Orleans to helping brands scale digital embellishment across packaging, publishing, and beyond. Paul shares insights from his time at Scodix, Konica Minolta, and now Harris & Bruno – and we dig into why education and accessibility are still the biggest barriers (and opportunities) for this industry. We cover: • How Paul got pulled back into print after trying to leave it behind • The impact of digital embellishment on short-run, personalized, and regional packaging • What Harris & Bruno is doing differently with X-MAT, X-Foil, and sustainability • The future of design, AI, and the next 10 years of embellishment We even talk hiking, teenagers, and QR code tattoos. Yep, it’s that kind of episode. Watch. Listen. Rub your hands on a nice soft-touch finish while you do. This one’s a good one.
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with my longtime friend and print industry legend, Chris Curran - VP of Media and Events at Printing United Alliance. From his first hands-on experience printing t-shirts at summer camp to shaping the voice of the industry's biggest expo, Chris has built a career on curiosity, connection, and a genuine love for print. We talk about: • His wild ride through Heidelberg, HP, Landa, and beyond • Why listening between the lines is the next level of consultative sales • How Printing United Expo is becoming a true crossroads of the industry • The power of physical print in a digital world • And of course, what it means to be a good steward of the print community We also geek out on sensory marketing, rugby, and the real reason those cinnamon rolls in the mall smell so damn good. 🎧 Tune in, share it with a print friend, and don't forget to subscribe — lots more ahead. Register for the PRINTING United Expo: https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/ar?evt_uid=284 🎟️ Learn more about the Embellishment Technology Tour we're running at this year's Printing United Expo: https://web.cvent.com/event/5a51b380-3ac8-41a0-9ab4-10d1c42b8bbe/summary
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays (#40!), I’m joined by my longtime friend and industry badass Sean Roberts, National Director of Digital Embellishment at Konica Minolta Industrial Print. We dive deep into his journey from Rubylith and Goldenrod paper to leading the charge on digital embellishment and helping reshape how printers add value beyond CMYK. Sean shares his perspective on how print has evolved over the decades, why mentorship matters more than ever, and how digital embellishment is aligning perfectly with today’s market needs. We also nerd out on why short-run packaging is exploding, what’s driving innovation at Konica Minolta, and how printers can use embellishment to boost margins and differentiation. Oh, and we definitely talk about Printing United Expo and what folks can expect when they stop by booth 5200 for the Digital Embellishment Technology Tour.
What happens when print stops being a commodity and starts becoming a luxury? In this week’s episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with someone I’ve admired for a long time - Marco Boer, VP at IT Strategies and one of the most respected thought leaders in the print industry. We talk about where print is heading, why embellishment is finally hitting its stride, and what the “haves and have-nots” trend means for your business. We also cover: • Why inkjet embellishment is turning a corner (finally) • What finishing automation is solving for print shops right now • The rise of specialization and the death of “generalist” printing • Why taxonomy actually matters (and how it can help your shop get found) •The surprising profitability of wide format • Marco’s sailboat (yes, really) It's a deep and honest conversation about where this industry is going and why the next five years might look very different than the last five. And trust me, if you're a progressive printer—or want to be—this one’s for you.
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric sits down with Ashley Roberts, Content Director at Printing Impressions, for a real, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about taking the reins from industry legend Mark Michelson and shaping the next generation of industry media. They get into everything from digital embellishment trends and storytelling to personal branding, imposter syndrome, and building trust with your audience. Ashley also shares her passion for travel, Stephen King novels, and her two rescue pups. Whether you're in print, content, marketing, or just figuring out how to be yourself while honoring the work that came before you — this one's for you. 👀 Watch the full episode to hear: • Ashley’s career journey and what it’s like stepping into big shoes • The evolving role of media in the print space • How print and digital storytelling can dance together • Why personal brand matters more than ever • What makes digital embellishment so powerful right now • A preview of the upcoming Embellishment Tech Tour at Printing United Expo! 📍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe. New episodes drop every Tuesday!
We’re back with another Taktiful Tuesdays! In this episode, I sit down with Taktiful CEO (and my good buddy) Kevin Abergel to catch up on all the exciting things we’ve been building and rolling out. We cover: • The growth of Taktiful’s training, consulting, and software arms • Updates on Tactify – our AI-powered pricing tool for digital embellishments • The upcoming launch of Reaktor (with a K!) – our groundbreaking 3D embellishment preview tool • A sneak peek at Creator – the next evolution in embellishment design • A full breakdown of the Embellishment Technology Tour powered by Taktiful happening at Printing United This one’s packed. Whether you're in the thick of the embellishment game or just starting to explore it, there’s something here for you. 👉 Make sure to subscribe, hit that like button, and if you're headed to Printing United Expo, don’t miss the tour. Limited spots! Register here: https://cvent.me/bAVWEM
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Dan Johansen, VP of Sales and Product Management at Roland DGA. Dan’s been at the leading edge of innovation in wide format and industrial print for decades — from Creo to Kodak, Ricoh to Roland. And let me tell you, the man knows a thing or two about what actually drives success in this industry. We get into the intersection of wide format and embellishment, the shift toward value-driven print, and how curiosity and creativity are fueling the next wave of innovation. Dan also shares his thoughts on helping small businesses grow, how Roland is expanding beyond traditional signage, and why it’s all about the why — not just the what. We also go off the clock to talk motorcycles, music, writing, and what it really means to lead with compassion in business. This one’s packed with insight and inspiration. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. 🖨️ Topics We Cover: • The evolution of wide format print • Why small print businesses are the heartbeat of the industry • Applications that go beyond banners and signs • Roland’s approach to innovation and market expansion • The value era of embellishment (yes, it’s real) • Creating emotional connection through tactile print • Why curiosity is the best business strategy
Print shops are leaving money on the table — and most don’t even know it. Nick Gawreluk has worked in over 40 countries for Heidelberg, HP Indigo, Taylor Corporation, and now as founder of Print Profit. He’s on a mission to help printers ditch outdated costing models and rethink profitability in real time. In this episode, we dig into: • Why most job costing models are broken (and how to fix them) • The dangers of “cost plus” thinking • How embellishment fits into a real profit strategy • The next wave of disruption in print (spoiler: it’s software) Whether you’re running a small shop or a global operation, this conversation will get you thinking differently about the numbers behind the ink. 👉 Connect with Nick: https://www.printprofit.com/ 👉 Follow Taktiful: https://linktr.ee/taktiful
On this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I'm joined by two amazing guests deeply involved with the DSCOOP community—Darin Painter, storyteller extraordinaire and Editor-in-Chief at DSCOOP, and Chris Hyde, Creative and Marketing Director. We dive into what makes the DSCOOP community uniquely collaborative, how storytelling and creativity powerfully elevate print, and why fun and vulnerability are essential to community building. Oh, and we even cover poker, cornhole championships, and why print still matters more than ever. Don't miss the laughs, insights, and great stories!
This week on Taktiful Tuesdays, I’m joined by an industry legend whose name you’ve definitely heard (probably in a packed conference room somewhere) – Francis McMahon. From Kodak to HP to Canon, and now as President & CMO of Tecnau, Francis has spent over 30 years helping shape the production print space. In this episode, we talk about what keeps him coming back to this industry, how finishing isn't the “end” of anything, and why real impact in print starts by thinking about the final product first. We get into: • Why "starting with the customer" still matters more than tech specs • How embellishment and finishing can be just as creative as ink and paper • What TechNow is bringing to the table and why it’s exciting • The community roots of THINK and the legacy of mentorship in this space • And of course, a little football and a little Grateful Dead Whether you’re a printer, OEM, or just someone who still loves flipping through a beautifully made photo book – this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen, share, and let’s keep growing the pie.
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with the one and only Paul McCarthy, Region Manager at HP Industrial Print and all-around road warrior of the North American print scene. We talk print transformation, strategic partnerships, digital embellishment, and the real secret sauce behind successful M&As (hint: it's not just the tech - it’s the people). Paul shares how he helped guide the merger of Advertek and Custom Colour Labs, the growing importance of hybrid workflows, and why being consultative is the future of sales in print. We also get into motorcycles, travel rituals, and the surprising crossover between print pros and disc golf champs (spoiler: we're both card-carrying members). Whether you geek out on embellishment tech, workflow strategy, or just want a fresh take on where industrial print is headed, this one’s for you. 🎯 Topics we cover: • The truth about digital embellishment myths • Paul’s 6-step consultative approach with partners • Bridging print cultures between Canada and the U.S. • Why the Midwest is the next big growth story • Coffee, motorcycles, and yes...disc golf 📍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss a Taktiful Tuesday.
Paul Hudson went from taping boxes in the back room as a kid to leading one of the most forward-thinking print operations in the country. In this episode, we talk shop with the CEO of Hudson Printing about clean, efficient workflows, hybrid print strategies, and how digital embellishment is changing the conversation with customers. We also cover: • How tactile finishes open doors (and minds) • Why a well-run print shop builds trust • The business case for beauty in commercial print • Paul's love for cast & cure (and trail running) If you geek out on print that wows — or just want to hear from a thoughtful leader who's walking the talk — this one’s for you. 👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment if something resonates. #PrintInnovation #DigitalEmbellishment #TaktifulTuesdays #HudsonPrinting #PrintWithPurpose
In Episode 29 of Taktiful Tuesdays (which is somehow running AFTER episode 30), host Eric Vessels chats with Erik Norman, President of swissQprint America, about pushing the boundaries of wide-format print. This conversation dives into print innovation and a bold, customer-centric approach – including swissQprint’s unheard-of 36-month warranty that puts customer trust first. Erik Norman shares how textured “pyramid” printing and other digital embellishments (think Braille, lenticular visuals, and tactile effects) are changing the game for designers and marketers. He also explains why sustainability is more than a buzzword – it’s just smart business logic woven into their strategy. Beyond tech, Erik discusses the importance of post-sale support, helping clients succeed long-term, and how leadership grounded in values and community involvement drives company culture. Tune in for insights on innovation, trust, and purpose-driven leadership in print. Whether you’re a creative, a marketer, or a print pro, you’ll gain inspiration and practical wisdom from this wide-ranging discussion! Don’t miss this inspiring episode filled with actionable ideas and forward-thinking perspectives. Watch now to see how printing with purpose can transform your business! 🎥 Don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel!
Big milestone energy in this one. It’s episode 30 of Taktiful Tuesdays, and fittingly, we're joined by Mike Scrutton, who just hit 30 years at Adobe. Mike’s the Director of Print Technology and Strategy, and he’s a total legend in the print world. We talk about his journey, the emotional power of tactile print, and how Project Goldsmith is simplifying the heck out of embellishment workflows. We also get into how AI is changing the game, not by replacing designers but by making the creative process smoother, faster, and more fun. And yes, we also touch on race cars, dogs, and some very nerdy Adobe history. Give it a watch and let us know what your tactile print obsession is. 📍Learn more about Adobe’s embellishment tech: https://adobe.com/go/embellishment
