Cake! magazine by Australian Cake Decorating Network May 2020 Cake! Magazine | Page 51

I CREATE BESPOKE CELEBRATION CAKES AND I ALWAYS STRUGGLE WITH THE INITIAL DESIGN
PHASE. SOMETIMES IDEAS FOR MY CAKES JUST FLOW QUICKLY, OTHER TIMES I’M STUMPED
AND I BECOME STUCK FOR HOURS. WHAT CAN I DO TO GET OVER MY CAKERS BLOCK? - JEN
Good question! The answer is in your pre-planning process.
Before you start sketching out your ideas, you need to start with brainstorming and gathering
inspiration. It can be as simple as creating a mindmap, paired with a Pinterest moodboard.
Unfortunately people tend to underestimate the brainstorming phase of the pre-planning process, but
what they don’t realise is that:
1. It sparks your creativity and gets your ideas following
2. Refines your ideas so you can create a stunning, professional and visually engaging cake
3. Gives you a clear direction for your end cake design, so that you won’t be stressing or guessing
your way through the decorating process.
It’s such an easy way to visually process your ideas, and ultimately, give you a clear direction for your
final design.
As a side note, I’d also recommend seeking inspiration from other industries (rather than our own) to
spark your creativity and help you flourish.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE
TO PEOPLE STARTING OUT
IN CAKE DECORATING? I’VE
BEEN DECORATING FOR A FEW
MONTHS NOW AND I LOVE IT! IT’S
ESPECIALLY HELPED MY SANITY
DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
I CAN’T WAIT TO TRY PAINTING
NEXT... - JEN
Welcome to the wonderful world of
cake decorating Jen!
Ultimately...my advice to you is to
continue to have fun and dare to be
different. Cake decorating is all about
exploration and experimentation.
Don’t ever feel as though you have to
hold yourself back. Push your creative
abilities, choose to be experimental
and enjoy the ride.