Taktiful

This week’s episode of Taktiful Tuesdays is a special one — 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. I’m 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 you’ve 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 one’s 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 - Dino’s advice for newcomers to the industry - A quick detour into homemade wine and the beauty of gathering If you’re heading to Amplify or Printing United, keep an eye out for us (and maybe a bottle of Dino’s wine). Subscribe, share, and leave us a comment — especially if you've ever crushed grapes barefoot. 🍷

What’s up, everyone? Eric here with Taktiful Tuesdays, and this week I finally sit down with the legend himself, Taktiful CEO, Kevin Abergel (yeah, should’ve been Episode 1, but better late than never, right?). We go deep into: - His four-generation print industry legacy (Paris, NYC, offset presses—the works!) - Why starting Taktiful felt like having a third kid (and tougher!) - The “fail fast, pivot faster” philosophy that’s fueling success - Taktify software—the game‑changing tool that’s shifting print from cost + to value‑based pricing - Project Atlas—making embellishment design so simple even a 10-year-old can do it - What’s next: Reactor 3D visualizer, Printing United hype, and more We laugh about cicadas, school each other on branding and content strategy (“consistency is queen”), and share big‑picture fun vibes from Amplify and Boston. This is one for anyone who loves print, tech, entrepreneurship—or just a good friend-to-friend chat. Hit that like button, subscribe, and let’s build embellishment into the next big thing!

In this Taktiful Tuesdays episode, host Eric Vessels chats with Sabine Lenz – lovingly known as the “Paper Queen” – 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 – from shiny foils to textured varnishes – 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 you’re 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 can’t match, and learn why print is far from “dead” – it’s evolving! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on print, design, and tactile marketing.

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

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!

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