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Wed May 28th

En

Ep. 7: A Journey Through Print, Process,...

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, host Eric Vessels sits down with the renowned print industry analyst and consultant David Zwang to explore the rapidly evolving world of digital embellishments, workflow automation, and what’s on the horizon 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?) If you’re looking for insights on enhancing print with special effects, upping your workflow efficiency, and staying competitive in a connected, digital world, this episode is a must-watch! 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!

Wed May 28th

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Ep. 6: Passion for Print: Eric Vessels &...

Welcome to Episode 6 of Taktiful Tuesdays! Eric Vessels from Taktiful sits down with Warren Werbitt, aka "The Print Whisperer," to dive deep into the world of print, entrepreneurship, and the passion that drives the industry forward. 🌟 In this episode: 🔹 Warren shares his journey into the printing industry, starting from his father’s small print shop to becoming a renowned industry leader. 🔹 The viral video that made Warren a print icon and lessons on authenticity in building a personal brand. 🔹 Insights on the latest trends in printing, including embellishments, AI, and the evolving technology shaping the future. 🔹 Why relationships, authenticity, and passion are the keys to a successful business. 🔹 Warren's new podcast, Printing's Alive, and his ongoing mission to connect and inspire print professionals everywhere. Whether you're a printer, marketer, or just curious about how print impacts our lives, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights! 👉 Follow Warren: LinkedIn: [Insert Warren's LinkedIn link] Website: [Insert Warren's website link] 🎙️ Tune in every Tuesday for more engaging industry conversations on Taktiful Tuesdays! 💬 Drop a comment below: What's your favorite printing industry trend right now?

Wed May 28th

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Ep. 5: Rock & Roll & Digital E...

Join Eric Vessels, Taktiful’s Chief Experience Officer, as he dives into an exciting conversation with Ryan Moskun, Marketing Manager at Harris & Bruno International. From Ryan’s journey into the print industry to groundbreaking digital embellishment technology like the ZRX, this episode is packed with insights, music, and a touch of humor. Stick around for Ryan’s life-changing advice at the end—you won’t want to miss it! 🎸 Digital Print Meets Rock & Roll 🎸 #TaktifulTuesdays #DigitalEmbellishments #HarrisAndBruno #PrintInnovation #ZRX

Wed May 28th

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Ep. 4: Democratizing Digital Embellishme...

Ready to see what’s next for digital print? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels, CXO at Taktiful, sits down with Andrew Gunn of FujiFilm to pull back the curtain on the evolving world of digital embellishment. Curious about how to move beyond CMYK, unlock new ROI opportunities, and truly stand out from the competition? Andrew shares insights on the cutting-edge Revoria lineup, Fujifilm’s Aspire program, and the power of industry collaboration—plus why curiosity, passion, and asking the right questions matter more than ever. Want to know what’s coming and how to position your business at the forefront of print’s future? Tune in and discover what’s possible when technology, training, and creativity converge. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays—your go-to source for the latest in digital print innovation.

Wed May 28th

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Ep. 3: Frank Mallozzi Leads Konica Minol...

Welcome back to another engaging episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! In this installment, host Eric Vessels sits down with his longtime friend Frank Mallozzi, the President of Konica Minolta’s Industrial Print and Production (IPP) Group. This conversation takes you on a journey through Frank’s unexpected return to the industry and his mission to drive innovation in the world of industrial printing. After a successful 25-year career at EFI, where he last served as the Chief Revenue Officer, Frank contemplated retirement. However, a call from Sam Errigo, CEO of Konica Minolta, changed his plans. Intrigued by the opportunities within Konica Minolta’s IPP Group, Frank felt the familiar spark of passion reignite. He couldn’t resist the challenge to lead a division focused on groundbreaking technologies in the printing industry. Frank shares insights into the three key segments that the IPP Group is concentrating on: 1. B2 Inkjet Technology: Exploring advancements in the shift from analog to digital printing, and how Konica Minolta is at the forefront of this transition. 2. Electrophotographic Label Printing: Discussing their significant market share in this area and the introduction of new products that enhance quality and efficiency. 3. Digital Embellishment: Delving into what Frank refers to as the “crown jewel” of their offerings, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize how businesses add value to print materials. Throughout their discussion, Eric and Frank address the challenges that come with introducing new technologies to the market. They emphasize the importance of educating customers, not just about the products themselves but about how these innovations can create new revenue streams and differentiate them in a competitive landscape. Frank underscores that success in this arena isn’t about competing on price but about offering unique value that customers can’t find elsewhere. The conversation also highlights the potential partnership between Taktiful and Konica Minolta. Both Eric and Frank express excitement about collaborating to provide education, training, and software solutions aimed at simplifying the adoption of digital embellishment technologies. They believe that by combining their strengths, they can make a significant impact on the industry and help customers overcome common hurdles. In a more personal segment, Frank opens up about the lessons he’s learned over his extensive career. He speaks passionately about the power of networking, the importance of execution over mere strategizing, and the value of leading by example. Frank recounts his own experiences, such as becoming the youngest director at Ricoh Corporation and recently completing his MBA after 35 years—a testament to his belief in lifelong learning and five-year planning. Eric and Frank wrap up their conversation by reflecting on the significance of relationships in business. They note how their professional paths have crossed over the years and how maintaining strong connections has been beneficial both personally and professionally. Their story serves as an inspiring example of how networking and mutual support can lead to exciting opportunities and collaborations. Don’t miss this insightful and heartfelt episode that not only explores the future of industrial printing but also offers valuable leadership lessons and career advice. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the industry, there’s something in this conversation for everyone. Stay connected with us: • Taktiful: www.taktiful.com • Konica Minolta: www.konicaminolta.com Make sure to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss out on future episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays! Join us as we continue to bring you in-depth discussions with industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries shaping the future of print.

Wed May 28th

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Ep. 2: Digital Embellishments, Standards...

In this exciting episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels, Chief Experience Officer at Taktiful, chats with Richard Romano, Senior Editor at WhatTheyThink, about the future of digital embellishments and the critical need for industry standards. 🎨✨ They dive into: ✅ The evolution of digital embellishments ✅ Challenges printers face: selling, pricing, and educating customers ✅ The importance of creating universal standards for gloss, foil, embossing, and more ✅ Insights from Taktiful & WhatTheyThink’s groundbreaking industry surveys And of course, they redefine “Taco Tuesday” as “Taktiful Tuesdays” 🌮😉 📊 Get involved! Participate in the digital embellishment survey (link below) and help shape the future of printing. As a thank-you, receive a free executive summary with actionable insights and a link to last year’s study. Don’t miss this insightful (and delicious) conversation! 🙌 🔗 Links: Take the digital embellishment survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Taktiful25 Watch the Digital Embellishment Panel: https://youtu.be/vqiiQJ3qPT8 Learn more about Taktiful: www.taktiful.com Printing Outlook Survey: https://store.whattheythink.com/downloads/printing-outlook-2024 Subscribe for more episodes of Taktiful Tuesdays, where we bring you the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the printing industry! 🚀

Wed May 28th

En

Ep. 1: Taktiful and Inkish Unite!

In the grand premiere of “Taktiful Tuesdays”—yes, we’re making Tuesdays a thing now—host Eric Vessels rolls out the virtual red carpet for none other than Kevin Abergel, CEO and founder of Taktiful, and Morten Reitoft, the editorial wizard behind @INKISH. This episode shines a spotlight on their shared dream to jazz up the printing world with a dash of digital dazzle. Their master plan? To educate and empower print service providers (PSPs) and converters worldwide—because who doesn’t want global empowerment on their résumé? They’re all about helping businesses leverage cutting-edge technologies to stand out from the crowd and, naturally, boost those profit margins. Both teams are buzzing with excitement about the partnership and are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful content that might just make the paper it’s printed on blush.

Tue August 11th

Ep 59: The Agentic Future of Print with ...

What happens when the customer no longer searches for a printer - and an AI agent does it for them? In Episode 59 of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Bernd Zipper, founder and CEO of ZipCon Consulting, chairman of Initiative Online Print, and founder of the Online Print Summit, to explore the emerging world of agentic print. Bernd explains how online print is evolving beyond web-to-print and traditional e-commerce toward a model where AI agents can help move a job from an initial prompt to production. That could include identifying suppliers and evaluating factors such as capabilities, delivery requirements, location, price, and other variables. The conversation explores what this shift could mean for printers, including: • Why SEO alone may no longer be enough • The growing importance of GEO and machine-readable information • MCP, UCP, and the infrastructure developing around agentic commerce • What printers can do now to become more "agent ready" • Why structured product and capability data will matter • Who owns the customer when AI agents mediate transactions • How digital embellishment could fit into agentic print • Why agentic workflows could make print more accessible, not less relevant Bernd also makes a provocative case for print becoming infrastructure again as AI makes it easier for people to turn ideas and digital creations into physical products. And because it’s Taktiful Tuesdays, the conversation eventually leaves AI behind for German food, cooking, Chardonnay, and Bernd’s ideal meal. If you’re trying to understand where online print, AI, automation, and agentic commerce may be heading next, this is a conversation worth watching. Get the white paper discussed: https://zipcon.de/en/agentic-print/

Tue July 28th

Ep 58: Turning Print Into an Experience ...

What transforms a printed piece from something people see into something they keep? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with David Drucker, CEO of High Resolution Printing and Packaging and the industry’s “Guru of Printing,” for a hands-on exploration of luxury print, packaging, specialty materials, and creative problem-solving. David shares how he entered the printing industry, built his personal brand, and developed a career by taking on unconventional projects other printers would not touch. He also opens a box of remarkable printed work and explains the thinking behind each piece, including: • A collectible deck of cards created after 9/11 • A luxury Flexjet invitation featuring real fabric samples • Soft-touch menus developed for the World Cup • A faux-leather door hanger for AMC Networks • Media materials created for Mike Tyson fights • A magnetic Samsung Care+ package with a titanium card • An embossed golf invitation for Audemars Piguet • A dimensional holiday card inspired by a sweater • A “Diamond in the Rough” invitation designed as an interactive discovery experience Throughout the conversation, David explains why printers should become creative teammates instead of vendors, how tactile details can change the perceived value of a piece, and why participating early in the creative process leads to better ideas. The episode also explores David’s life beyond print, including motorcycles, charitable work for veterans, music, and the creative mindset connecting all of his interests. Learn more about David’s podcast, Making It With Print, and watch for his upcoming deep dive into the World Cup hospitality pieces. https://podcastsfromtheprinterverse.com/what-makes-a-print-sample-save-worthy/

Wed July 22nd

Ep 57: Bringing the Next Generation Into...

How do we introduce a new generation to careers in print and packaging? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels speaks with Andy and Julie Plata, co-CEOs of Output Links Communications Group, about their work with the University of Houston’s Print and Packaging Industry Initiative. Andy and Julie explain why the industry cannot solve its workforce challenges by simply recruiting employees from competing print companies. Instead, they are helping build a new pipeline by connecting students, educators, print businesses, technology providers, and industry organizations. The conversation explores: • Why many students have little understanding of modern print careers • How student print ambassadors are creating peer-to-peer awareness • Why tactile print and digital embellishment capture students’ attention • How plant tours and hands-on production experiences change perceptions • The importance of modernizing university print curriculum • How print companies can engage with students and educators • The initiative’s potential to become a repeatable model for other universities Andy and Julie also share how students reacted when they saw their own digitally embellished designs produced as physical print, and why giving young designers the opportunity to touch their work can transform the way they see the industry. The future of print depends on more than technology. It depends on helping talented young people discover what the modern print and packaging industry has to offer.

Tue July 14th

Ep 56: Turning Bitcoin Culture into Coll...

What happens when art, economics education, Bitcoin culture, and premium print production come together? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels speaks with Aladdan Flinn, founder and CEO of Based Trading Cards. Aladdan shares how he built a physical collectible brand designed to make complex ideas about money and economics more engaging through original artwork, storytelling, intentional scarcity, and specialty print effects. They discuss why trading cards provide a natural way to teach concepts such as supply and demand, why physical collectibles still matter in an increasingly digital world, and how embellishments can bring artwork to life without overpowering it. Aladdan also explains: • How Based Trading Cards selects the people, events, and ideas featured in its sets • Why strong conceptual artwork comes before embellishment • How foil, coatings, white ink, UV effects, and cast and cure add value • What winning a Gold Leaf Award meant to the company • Why printers should be treated as true production partners • How physical cards can create “forever marketing” • Why collectors may come for the cardboard but stay for the community The conversation also covers NFTs, the lasting value of physical objects, Barry Sanders rookie cards, and what is next for Based Trading Cards. Learn more about Based Trading Cards and explore the growing intersection of collectibles, education, community, and embellished print. More about Based Trading Cards: https://basedtradingcards.com/ See Alladin on Taktisphere Live! 👉 https://taktisphere.com/c/taktisphere-live/meet-the-mad-scientist-of-trading-cards-alladan-flinn

Wed July 8th

Ep 55: Staying Relevant in Print with Bo...

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Bob Selby, President of BCE South, to talk about what it takes for printers to stay relevant in a changing industry. Bob shares how customer expectations have shifted over the last 25 years, why education matters more than ever, and how BCE South uses samples, direct mail, digital embellishments, and specialty print to help customers see what is possible. The conversation covers leadership, curiosity, investing in new technology, AI, direct mail, digital embellishment, and the importance of moving beyond order taking into a more consultative role. Eric and Bob also preview BCE South’s upcoming Back to School Open House on August 27, 2026, in Indian Trail, North Carolina. Topics include: • How the print industry has changed over the last 25 years • Why customers need to see and feel specialty print • How samples help sell embellishment • Why direct mail still works • What makes a great print customer • How to evaluate new print technology • Where AI can help print businesses • Why curiosity matters in hiring and leadership • The future of specialty print and digital embellishment Learn more about the BCE South Back to School Open House: BCEBackToSchool.com

Tue May 26th

Ep 53: Digital Embellishment as a Busine...

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

Tue May 19th

Ep 52: Web-to-Print, AI, and Mental Heal...

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels talks with Chris Minn, founder and CEO of Digital Ink, about the evolution of web-to-print, print on demand, automation, AI, and why print businesses need to rethink how their systems, marketing, sales, operations, and production connect. Chris explains why web-to-print is not dead, but the old way of thinking about it is. The future is not just a storefront or a customer portal. It is connected software stacks, cleaner data, integrated workflows, APIs, automation, and print on demand systems that help printers deliver the kind of buying experience customers now expect. Eric and Chris also discuss how AI is changing search, marketing, and software development in print, including why printers need better content, clearer websites, and more useful information if they want to be found by AI-driven search tools. The conversation also turns to Mental Health Awareness Month and Chris’s work with She*t 4 Brains, an industry effort focused on creating more honest conversations around mental health, stress, leadership, burnout, and the human side of print. Topics include: • Why web-to-print has evolved beyond storefronts • How print on demand changes business models • Why software strategy needs to come before implementation • Where AI creates real value in print today • How search behavior is changing with AI tools • Why printers need to tell their own story better • The importance of mental health conversations in the print industry • Why being present matters at work and at home Featuring Chris Minn of Digital Ink. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Tue May 12th

Ep 51: Brand, Culture, and Mental Health...

Jessica DeCola joins Eric Vessels on Taktiful Tuesdays for a conversation about print, people, brand, culture, and mental health. Jessica shares how she accidentally found her way into the print industry, what kept her here, and why her new role as Director of Brand and Strategic Growth at Blooming Color feels like the right cultural fit. The conversation explores why print companies often struggle to market themselves, how brand is more than a logo or campaign, and why the human side of business matters just as much as the manufacturing side. Eric and Jessica also discuss She*t for Brains, the mental health and wellness initiative she co-founded with Dave Rosendahl, Chris Minn, and John Bailey. Jessica explains how a moment of vulnerability at Dscoop sparked a broader movement to create safe, honest spaces for people in the print community to talk about stress, trauma, therapy, leadership, and the pressure of working in a demanding industry. In this episode: • Jessica’s unexpected path into print • Why culture shaped her move to Blooming Color • How printers can tell better brand stories • Why people buy from people, not companies • The origin and mission of She*t for Brains • Mental health, vulnerability, and leadership in print • Why taking care of people is good business If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 in the United States to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Tue April 21st

Ep 50: Why Paper Is the OG Embellishment...

In this special 50th episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Michele Pistone, Marketing Manager at Neenah Paper, for a conversation about paper, packaging, and tactile communication. Michele shares why paper is not just a substrate, but part of the brand experience. They dig into what makes packaging feel premium, why print still builds trust in a digital world, and how color, texture, weight, and restraint can shape perception before foil or varnish ever enter the picture. The conversation also sets up an upcoming Tactisphere Live session with Neenah Paper, where the team will go even deeper into paper, unboxing, and why paper is the OG embellishment. Join us for "Neenah Paper Live Unboxing: The O.G. embellishment explained" in The Taktisphere on Thursday, Apr 23 at 1pm EDT 👉 https://taktisphere.com/c/taktisphere-live/neenah-live-unboxing

Thu April 16th

Ep 49: Why Embellishment Is a Business S...

In Episode 49 of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Christine Yardley, president of PrintPanther Direct and founder of Eat, Print, Love, for a conversation about how embellishment moved from a cool effect to a serious business strategy. Christine shares how her work in high-impact presentations led her into embellished print, why COVID became a turning point for more meaningful print, what many printers still misunderstand about the opportunity, and how community and education can help move the industry forward. From bespoke branding to sample programs and standout print experiences, this episode is packed with practical insight for printers, marketers, and brands that want print to create more value.

Thu April 16th

Ep 48: Reinventing Print Without Losing ...

What does it take for a print company founded in 1892 to keep evolving without losing what made it successful in the first place? In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Al Kennickel, President of the Kennickel Group in Savannah, Georgia, for a conversation about reinvention, leadership, curiosity, and staying ahead in a changing print industry. Al shares the story of joining the family business, buying it in 1981, and leading its growth far beyond traditional print into wide format, digital printing, fulfillment, and digital embellishments. He also talks about what it really means to invest in new technology, why experimentation matters, and how printers can create competitive advantage by doing what others cannot. They also get into: • lessons from the Citadel and college football • why wide format changed the business • what makes digital embellishment different from other print investments • how to know the difference between strategy and a shiny object • the importance of peer groups, curiosity, and shared knowledge • why having fun still matters after decades in business This episode is a masterclass in how to keep pushing forward while staying true to who you are. #TaktifulTuesdays #PrintInnovation #DigitalEmbellishment #WideFormat #PrintingIndustry #Leadership

Tue March 24th

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Ep 47: Why Luxury Print Still Wins with ...

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

Tue March 17th

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Ep 46: Paper Is the Original Embellishme...

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.

Wed March 18th

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Ep 46: Paper Is the Original Embellishme...

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.

Tue March 10th

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Ep 45: State of Digital Embellishment &#...

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.

Tue November 25th

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Ep 44: From Rugby to Labels: Bryan Topha...

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.

Tue November 18th

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Ep 43: From Garage Startup to Game-Chang...

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.