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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 â including swissQprintâs unheard-of 36-month warranty that puts customer trust first. Erik Norman shares how textured âpyramidâ 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 â itâs 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 youâre a creative, a marketer, or a print pro, youâll gain inspiration and practical wisdom from this wide-ranging discussion! Donât miss this inspiring episode filled with actionable ideas and forward-thinking perspectives. Watch now to see how printing with purpose can transform your business! đĽ Don't forget to like and subscribe to the channel!
In this inspiring episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Jay Mandarino, President & CEO of CJ Group of Companies. Jay shares his incredible journey from overcoming childhood challenges to leading the worldâs most awarded printing company. Discover how his passion for craftsmanship and community service led to the creation of CJ Skate Park, one of the largest indoor not-for-profit skate parks. From print innovation and digital embellishments to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, Jayâs story is a must-watch for anyone looking to make an impact. Timestamps: 0:00 â Intro & Meet Jay Mandarino 2:15 â Jayâs Personal Journey & Founding CJ Graphics 7:30 â Building an Award-Winning Print Company 10:00 â The Value of Digital Embellishments 18:20 â The Story of CJ Skate Park & Community Impact 26:00 â Advice for Entrepreneurs in a Changing Industry 35:00 â Cool Projects & Whatâs Next for Jay
From bagging fish to building one of the most respected names in print, Jeff Howiczâs story is a lesson in hustle, heart, and hands-on leadership. In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Jeff, Chief Commercial Officer at Team Concept Printing, takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in a saltwater fish store to the forefront of digital embellishment innovation. With two decades of experience, Jeff shares how a blend of curiosity, craftsmanship, and community involvement has shaped both his career and his company. đď¸ Topics we cover: - How digital embellishments like foil and raised UV are changing the game - The importance of designers understanding production - Why tactile print creates deeper customer engagement - Sustainability practices that actually matter (no greenwashing) - Team Conceptâs incredible partnership with Folds of Honor - Advice for young people looking to make an impact in print Jeff also previews what Team Concept will be showcasing at Amplify Print, including some special new brochures produced in partnership with Taktiful! đ Whether you're a print veteran, design geek, or just love a great story of personal and professional growth, this episode is for you. đ Subscribe for more weekly insights at the intersection of print, tech, and creativity.
Andrew Gunn from Fujifilm is back! In his first appearance, we dove deep into the power of moving beyond CMYK. This time? We go even further. From real-world packaging wins to how brands are secretly crushing shelf velocity, to AI's growing role in the design-to-print pipeline, Andrew drops insight after insight. We talk Revoria, we talk the Aspire program, and we nerd out a bit on agentic AI (spoiler: itâs probably going to change everything). We also dig into design training gaps, how to actually sell embellishment, and why fear might just be your biggest learning ally. This isnât just another conversation - itâs a look at where print is headed, and how to stay curious enough to keep up. đ Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday đ§ Available wherever you get your podcasts đ˛ Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates đ Drop your thoughts in the comments - we'd love to hear them! #DigitalEmbellishment #BeyondCMYK #PrintPodcast #Fujifilm #TaktifulTuesdays
Whatâs up, everyone? Eric here with Taktiful Tuesdays, and this week I finally sit down with the legend himself, Taktiful CEO, Kevin Abergel (yeah, shouldâve been Episode 1, but better late than never, right?). We go deep into: - His four-generation print industry legacy (Paris, NYC, offset pressesâthe works!) - Why starting Taktiful felt like having a third kid (and tougher!) - The âfail fast, pivot fasterâ philosophy thatâs fueling success - Taktify softwareâthe gameâchanging tool thatâs shifting print from cost + to valueâbased pricing - Project Atlasâmaking embellishment design so simple even a 10-year-old can do it - Whatâs next: Reactor 3D visualizer, Printing United hype, and more We laugh about cicadas, school each other on branding and content strategy (âconsistency is queenâ), and share bigâpicture fun vibes from Amplify and Boston. This is one for anyone who loves print, tech, entrepreneurshipâor just a good friend-to-friend chat. Hit that like button, subscribe, and letâs build embellishment into the next big thing!
In this Taktiful Tuesdays episode, host Eric Vessels chats with Sabine Lenz â lovingly known as the âPaper Queenâ â about the new tactile renaissance in print design and marketing. Sabine, the founder of PaperSpecs, shares her journey from graphic designer to print guru, revealing how print with a purpose is making a comeback. They explore the communication gap between designers and printers and how to bridge it for better collaboration. Sabine also dives into the art of digital embellishment â from shiny foils to textured varnishes â and why less is more when adding these effects. She stresses using embellishments mindfully to enhance a design rather than overwhelm it. Other key topics include clearing up confusing print terminology and inspiring the next generation of creatives to fall in love with print. If youâre a designer, marketer, or print professional looking to elevate your projects with touch and texture, this conversation is a must-watch. Discover how thoughtful print design and digital embellishments can create memorable, sensory experiences that digital alone canât match, and learn why print is far from âdeadâ â itâs evolving! Donât forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on print, design, and tactile marketing.
Big milestone energy in this one. Itâs episode 30 of Taktiful Tuesdays, and fittingly, we're joined by Mike Scrutton, who just hit 30 years at Adobe. Mikeâs the Director of Print Technology and Strategy, and heâs 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. đLearn more about Adobeâs embellishment tech: https://adobe.com/go/embellishment
This weekâs episode of Taktiful Tuesdays is a special one â not only are we live from the Sharp demo center in Montvale, NJ, but it's also our first-ever standing up episode. Big moves only. Iâm joined by my longtime friend and industry pro, Dino Pagliarello from Sharp, for a conversation that touches on everything from six-color digital embellishment to family winemaking traditions. We dive into innovation, automation, tactile print (of course), the power of partnerships, and why experimentation and play matter more than ever in the print world. If youâve been curious about how print shops are differentiating with tactile embellishment or just want to hear how Sicily and a dusty bottle of vino sparked a family tradition, this oneâs for you. In this episode: - The creative and technical balance of embellishment - What partnerships like ColorLogic and Duplo mean for Sharp - Why automation is shaping the next era of print - Dinoâs advice for newcomers to the industry - A quick detour into homemade wine and the beauty of gathering If youâre heading to Amplify or Printing United, keep an eye out for us (and maybe a bottle of Dinoâs wine). Subscribe, share, and leave us a comment â especially if you've ever crushed grapes barefoot. đˇ
In the grand premiere of âTaktiful Tuesdaysââyes, weâre making Tuesdays a thing nowâhost 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 worldwideâbecause who doesnât want global empowerment on their rĂŠsumĂŠ? Theyâre 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 itâs printed on blush.
Join Eric Vessels, Taktifulâs Chief Experience Officer, as he dives into an exciting conversation with Ryan Moskun, Marketing Manager at Harris & Bruno International. From Ryanâs 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 Ryanâs life-changing advice at the endâyou wonât want to miss it! đ¸ Digital Print Meets Rock & Roll đ¸ #TaktifulTuesdays #DigitalEmbellishments #HarrisAndBruno #PrintInnovation #ZRX
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. đ In this episode: đš Warren shares his journey into the printing industry, starting from his fatherâs small print shop to becoming a renowned industry leader. đš The viral video that made Warren a print icon and lessons on authenticity in building a personal brand. đš Insights on the latest trends in printing, including embellishments, AI, and the evolving technology shaping the future. đš Why relationships, authenticity, and passion are the keys to a successful business. đš 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! đ Follow Warren: LinkedIn: [Insert Warren's LinkedIn link] Website: [Insert Warren's website link] đď¸ Tune in every Tuesday for more engaging industry conversations on Taktiful Tuesdays! đŹ Drop a comment below: What's your favorite printing industry trend right now?
Welcome back to Tactiful Tuesdays! đ In Episode 9, Iâm chatting with the talented Kendra Roberson, a soon-to-be graduate from Cal Polyâs Graphic Communication program. Kendra shares her journey from high school graphic design enthusiast to exploring the vast world of print, digital embellishments, and industry networking. We dive into: â How mentorship and industry events shaped her career path â The power of networking in the print & digital space â The role of digital embellishments in accessibility and design â Hands-on experiences at drupa, TAGA, and EPS Connect â Her work with DCR Design and LA Metro Plus, she shares key advice for aspiring designers and when sheâs available for hire! đ Donât miss this insightful convo with someone whoâs making big moves in the industry. đ Connect with Kendra: đŠ Email: Kendraroberson03@gmail.com đź LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendraroberson đ If you enjoyed this episode, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT below! Whatâs your biggest takeaway? Letâs discuss. đ #TactifulTuesdays #GraphicDesign #PrintIndustry #CareerTips #DigitalEmbellishments
Welcome back to another episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! đ This week, weâre diving deep into the world of digital embellishments, print design, and creative innovation with none 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 If you're a designer, brand, or print enthusiast, you wonât want to miss this conversation. Plus, we geek out over vinyl records, creative inspiration, and more! đśđĽ đ Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/redbear/ đ§ Listen to Matt's favorite album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQLm_x6LH5c&list=PLiljtHvabeo2aHy9c9m_5ARKuZbtsBNgZ đŠ Want to learn more about digital embellishments? Drop us a comment or visit Taktifulâs website: https://www.taktiful.com/ đŹ Whatâs your favorite design trick for print? Let us know below! âŹď¸ #printdesign #DigitalEmbellishments #TaktifulTuesdays #GraphicDesign #SpecialtyPrinting
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. đ¨â¨ They dive into: â The evolution of digital embellishments â Challenges printers face: selling, pricing, and educating customers â The importance of creating universal standards for gloss, foil, embossing, and more â Insights from Taktiful & WhatTheyThinkâs groundbreaking industry surveys And of course, they redefine âTaco Tuesdayâ as âTaktiful Tuesdaysâ đŽđ đ 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 yearâs study. Donât miss this insightful (and delicious) conversation! đ đ 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! đ
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 Minoltaâs Industrial Print and Production (IPP) Group. This conversation takes you on a journey through Frankâs 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 Minoltaâs IPP Group, Frank felt the familiar spark of passion reignite. He couldnât 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 âcrown jewelâ 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 isnât about competing on price but about offering unique value that customers canât 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 heâs 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 yearsâa 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. Donât 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 youâre a seasoned professional or new to the industry, thereâs 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 donât 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.
Ready to see whatâs 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, Fujifilmâs Aspire program, and the power of industry collaborationâplus why curiosity, passion, and asking the right questions matter more than ever. Want to know whatâs coming and how to position your business at the forefront of printâs future? Tune in and discover whatâs possible when technology, training, and creativity converge. Donât forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdaysâyour go-to source for the latest in digital print innovation.
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 whatâs 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 technologiesâand boost profitability ⢠A fun wrap-up on their favorite cocktails (tequila and mezcal, anyone?) If youâre 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 inâsee you next Tuesday!
In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, Eric Vessels sits down with Ken Hanulec, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at EFI, to discuss the game-changing innovations in the digital print world. From the revolutionary EFI X5 Nozomi and its impact on on-demand box production to the Pro 30H hybrid printer and the growing role of sustainability in print technology, this conversation is packed with insights you donât want to miss. Ken also shares his thoughts on digital embellishments, the analog-to-digital shift in the industry, and practical advice for print service providers looking to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. Plus, they dive into personal favoritesâtravel destinations, grilling tips, and even a little football talk! đ Resources Mentioned: Learn more about EFI: www.efi.com EFI ESG Sustainability Report: https://www.efi.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/EFI-Impact-Report-2023.pdf EFI PackSize X5 Nozomi in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6OFLXDnSoc đĽ Donât forget to subscribe and join us for more engaging conversations every Tuesday! #DigitalPrint #EFI #PackagingInnovation #Sustainability #TaktifulTuesdays
Welcome to a special episode of Taktiful Tuesdays! Weâve hit episode 10, the dime episode, and Iâm thrilled to have Bill Duerr, President of Hatteras, join me for a deep dive into leadership, innovation, and the future of print. Bill shares his insights on how Hatteras stays competitive in a changing industry, the power of listening to customers, and the companyâs investment in digital embellishments with the new Harris & Bruno ZRX press. We also get into AIâs role in print, company culture, and - because we love a good story - Billâs gnarly 11-day surf adventure in Indonesia. If youâre in the printing world, a business leader, or just love hearing about innovation and leadership, this oneâs for you. đĽ Topics Covered: âď¸ How Hatteras stays competitive in a consolidating print industry âď¸ The role of AI and automation in print workflows âď¸ Investing in new technology & digital embellishment âď¸ Building a strong company culture through leadership âď¸ Billâs epic surfing and Jiu-Jitsu journey đŹ Drop a comment! What emerging tech excites you the most? đ Subscribe for more insights on print, tech, and leadership
In this special episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, host Eric Vessels sits down with the legendary Frank Romano, a true luminary in the world of print. With a career spanning over six decades, Frank has played a pivotal role in the evolution of the printing industryâfrom hot metal type to digital printing and AI. đ Whatâs Inside This Episode? - Frankâs journey from working at Mergenthaler Linotype to founding Typeworld and editing Pocket Pal - The impact of automation and AI on print and graphic design - The Museum of Printingâs latest acquisition: a 1700s English Common Press and a rare 1873 Sholes & Glidden typewriter - Why direct mail is making a comeback and the future of digital embellishment - Frankâs favorite place in the world and the one piece of history he treasures most đ¨ď¸ Upcoming Event Alert! Join Frank Romano & industry leaders at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA, for a two-day digital embellishment workshop (April 22-23, 2025). More details inside! đĽ If you're passionate about print, history, and the future of design, this episode is a must-watch! đ Like, comment, and subscribe for more insightful conversations with industry pioneers!
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