Taktiful

Digital embellishments like foil, spot UV, and raised varnish can turn ordinary print into unforgettable print. But too often, designers unknowingly hand off files that cause delays, spoilage, or costly reprints. In this session, award-winning embellishment designer (and machine operator) Matthew Redbear shares the top 5 design hacks that will make your printer’s life easier—and your projects smoother, faster, and more impressive. You’ll learn: ✅ How to label and structure your spot layers the right way ✅ Why vectors beat pixels for foil and varnish ✅ The real limits of tiny text and hairline strokes ✅ How to use overprint preview as your “crystal ball” ✅ Why mockups and communication save everyone time and money Whether you’re new to embellishments or an experienced designer looking to tighten your workflow, these tips will save headaches and make your files a joy to print. 👉 Watch until the end for practical checklists you can start using on your very next project.

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.

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, 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!

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 conversation, Eric Vessels and Kevin Abergel discuss Taktiful's software solution, Taktify, which aims to revolutionize the pricing strategy for digital embellishments in the printing industry. They explore the challenges faced by users in estimating costs and pricing, the features of Taktify that streamline job estimation, and the importance of real-time market data in making informed pricing decisions. The discussion highlights the user-friendly nature of the software and the positive feedback from customers regarding its effectiveness in enhancing profitability. takeaways