Taktiful

What do rocket launches, snook fishing, and the future of inkjet printing have in common? Michael Poulin. In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Michael Poulin, Senior Manager of Inkjet Solutions at Fujifilm (after I totally botched his title… classic). We talk shop about Fujifilm’s big digital disruption moves, trends in embellishment, and the growing role of automation and AI in streamlining print workflows. Oh, and we also nerd out over SpaceX rockets and Everglades fishing. Whether you're curious about the next frontier for inkjet, looking to future-proof your shop, or just want to hear some fish tales, this episode’s for you. 🧃 Taktiful Tip: Don't miss the story about the business card that was too nice to throw away. 🎣 Featuring: — The evolution of digital embellishment — What’s next for inkjet (spoiler: it’s big) — How Fujifilm is automating the workflow — Michael’s favorite fish (and the one his son always catches better) Like, comment, and subscribe for more Taktiful Tuesdays!

In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I finally sit down with the one and only Joanne Gore — B2B marketing strategist, print evangelist, and president of Joanne Gore Communications. We go deep into why print still deserves a seat at the marketing table, how to tell your story in a way that resonates, and what most companies get wrong when talking about themselves. Joanne brings decades of experience to the conversation, plus a sharp take on how AI is shifting everything from marketing workflows to how printers can stay relevant. We talk lumpy mail, sustainability that’s more than a checkbox, and how printers can stop selling capabilities and start selling value. Whether you're in print, marketing, or just trying to figure out how to stand out in a noisy digital world — this one’s for you. 🎧 Stick around for: - The biggest misconceptions about print - How to think holistically about sustainability - AI as a lifeline (not a threat) for marketers and printers - The best piece of marketing advice Joanne ever got - Why breathe might just be the best marketing message ever Connect with Joanne: 🔗 https://www.joannegorecommunications.com 📚 Thriving in Chaos - Now available wherever you read

In Episode 19 of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with the one and only Bill Gillespie - 40+ year print industry vet, master storyteller, and sales whisperer. Bill has made a career not just out of selling print, but understanding people. We talk about the evolution of sales, what really matters to buyers, and why asking the right question is often more important than pitching the perfect solution. Bill shares insights from his early days as a print buyer to now consulting with teams across the industry - plus, we dive into why empathy and authenticity still win the day. 💬 Topics we cover: ✅ What’s changed (and hasn’t) in print sales over 40 years ✅ How to move from “vendor” to “trusted partner” ✅ The power of better questions ✅ Lessons from teaching at Clemson ✅ Skiing, fly fishing, and getting schooled by your kids This one’s packed with value - and a few laughs along the way. Let’s go! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with your sales team!

In this exciting episode of the Digital Embellishment Show, we’re live from the Konica Minolta booth at Graphics Canada 2025, chatting with Eddie Davin, CEO of bigDAWGS. Prepare to be amazed as Eddie unveils how his company is pushing the limits of digital embellishment with the MGI Jetvarnish 3DS, creating products that are as innovative as they are eye-catching. From holographic foil floor graphics to NFC-enabled coasters that load websites with a tap, bigDAWGS is blending physical and digital (“fidgetal”) to revolutionize marketing materials. Eddie, an electronics engineer turned print innovator, shares his journey from working with the Canon C 1000 in the ‘90s to leading Big Dawgs to the forefront of the industry. Learn how their strategic use of 3D UV, raised foils, and intricate patterns has set a new standard for quality, impressing even competitors like Scodix and Duplo. Discover how bigDAWGS achieved a 20% boost in customer retention just by offering embellishment capabilities, allowing them to compete on value against low-cost overseas manufacturers. We also dive into bigDAWGS’ groundbreaking applications, including: 🌟 Floor Graphics with Foil: A show-stopping first that’s drawing crowds. 🌟 NFC Coasters: Tap to interact with websites, calls, or texts—pioneered by Big Dawgs for BlackBerry in 2013. 🌟 Pop-Up Door Hangers: Tactile and holographic, these demand attention. 🌟 Car Magnets & Stickers: Foil-enhanced for durability and flair. Eddie’s advice for those entering digital embellishment? Focus on grabbing attention in a world where everyone’s vying for it. With direct mail making a comeback and digital ad costs soaring, bigDAWGS’ tactile, interactive products are the perfect way to stand out. 📌 Follow bigDAWGS: Website: https://www.bigdawgspromo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edgardavin/ 💡 Want to learn more about digital embellishment or how to elevate your marketing? Drop a comment below, hit that like button, and subscribe for more cutting-edge insights from the print industry! #DigitalEmbellishment #BigDawgs #GraphicsCanada2025 #MGIJetvarnish #PrintInnovation #Fidgetal #MarketingTips #KonicaMinolta

What’s the future of foil, finish, and shine in print? 🤩 In this episode of Taktiful Tuesdays, I sit down with Jeff Peterson, Executive Director of FSEA, to talk all things print embellishment — from analog classics to digital disruption. We get into: How FSEA is adapting to a rapidly evolving print landscape Why they launched the Digital Embellishment Alliance (DEA) What to expect at Amplify Print this June in Chicago And of course, we peel back the layers on Jeff himself — Chiefs fan, country music lover, and all-around industry trailblazer. This one’s full of energy, insights, and some behind-the-scenes takes on where the industry is heading. You’ll walk away smarter (and maybe with a new concert playlist). 🎶 👉 Visit https://fsea.com and https://amplifyprint.org for more. #printfinishing #DigitalEmbellishment #FSEA #TaktifulTuesdays #AmplifyPrint

In this eye-opening episode of the Digital Embellishment Podcast, we’re live from the @Xerox booth at Graphics Canada 2025 with none other than Billy Stojanovski, global product marketing leader for the Xerox Versant family. We dive deep into Xerox’s Beyond CMYK innovations—from gold and silver embellishments to jaw-dropping fluorescent prints that glow under UV light. Billy breaks down how Xerox is making digital embellishments more accessible than ever, including real-time demos of: ✅ Vivid Kits with gold, silver, white, and clear ✅ Fluorescent toners that elevate RGB design expectations ✅ Real-world print transformations like menus, business cards, and invitations ✅ How embellishments can even lower USPS mail rates 👀 ✅ Tools like preprinted swatch books and built-in front-end controls If you’re a designer, print shop, or brand looking to stand out in a crowded market, this episode is a must-watch. Discover how Xerox is pushing the boundaries of what digital print can do! 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive interviews and live demos from the world of print innovation. #Xerox #DigitalEmbellishment #GraphicsCanada2025 #PrintDesign #BeyondCMYK #Versant #VividKit #FluorescentPrint