Experience Decorating More Advanced Cakes
Decorating By dst10spr97 Updated 28 Jul 2011 , 2:31pm by LaWmn223
Just curious for the advance cake artists on the board. How did you gain your experience making more advanced cakes, other than classes of course. For example your first wedding cake, or your first 3D cake. Your first time airbrushing perhaps? Did you practice on cake dummies, make cakes then donate them (which can be expensive), or did you one day get an order for a 3d or wedding cake for the first time and then just jumped in with both feet? I want to gain more experience to reach an advanced level, but I'm also nervous. My dream (don't laugh) is to one day be on a Food Network challenge. 
My suggestion is bake and play. 
Personally I wouldn't use something like a wedding cake to take the next step to doing something different. It's nice when you can, and you feel you can accomplish it. But I'd rather do it on something that isn't as important.
My nephew got a lot of my 3D cakes, so that worked out for me that I'd use his birthday as a chance to play or try something different.
Dummies are nice, but they aren't the same as working with a real cake, so for some things I would say do a real cake. You can't really practice stacking/doweling on a dummy cake.
We share the same dream. Only thing is I *KNOW*! without a doubt it will never happen for me.
As for how: I did all of what you ask about - dummies; donate; and orders jumping in w/both feet
And take all the classes you can afford! Even if it is a subject you alread know. Each instructor has a different way of presenting their knowledge and what one said you might not have understood, heard of picked up on and when the other person sayes it differently it will click in your mind.
When I was starting out and really for most of my decorating 30+ yrs we didn't have the internet or YouTube videos etc so watch them over and over; ask ?s and practice, practice, practice
We share the same dream. Only thing is I *KNOW*! without a doubt it will never happen for me.
Nope, not me! My brother just asked me that the other day if I would ever want to be on one of the challenges.
I was like don't you think I should do a 3 foot tall cake first? 
for me, I'm just starting out as well, I've been making cakes for my family, friends and even co-workers for just the cost of the supplies I purchase. I guess I'm trying to make a protfolio of the cakes that I can do first before I start charging what they really should be worth!
How did you gain your experience making more advanced cakes, other than classes of course.
I always say, "You'll never regret the experience you'll gain working in a bakery." I never had classesjust self taught and learned from having a job as a professional decorator. I never did a practice cake for anything in advancejust jumped in and did it because it was ordered. It's always easier to do what's required in a work situation because if you mess up you can either find a way to hide the flaw(s) or grab another cake and start over.
If you have the time, and don't have the opportunity to learn at a bakery, then you have the luxury of learning at your own pace and trying new techniques for the fun of itwithout stressing over an order. Don't be nervousjump right in and go for it! Have fun!
Never say Never Kakeladi. I think I'm obsessed with Direct TV channel 231
I'm by no means an advanced baker/decorator, but I've learned a ton in the last year and a half by baking for friends and family. Also, I can't tell you how many hours I've spent scouring the information and tutorials on this site and youtube. If I'm trying something new, I study the information/tutorial/youtube until I almost feel like I've done it myself, then I go for it.
I've never made a cake just for practice. Fortunately, I've always had a reason or request to make one. And since I do them for free, I usually get to do whatever I want. There's been times that I"ve been given money for supplies and have been requested to do something specific. But the nice thing about that is it forced me to experiment with something I probably wouldn't have on my own.
The downfall to this scenario is it's VERY expensive! I'm almost embarrased to even think about how much money I've spent on toys and supplies just for a hobby. But what can I say, I'm addicted 
My niece asked me to make her wedding cake in Oct. (five tiers). This will be a gift to her and my very first wedding cake. I'm scared to death but really excited. I've been planning and studying and basically obsessing about it for the last 8 months. But I've done so much research, I really feel like I can do it. If all goes well, I've agreed to make a friend's daughter's wedding cake next July. But really, if you want to do it, there always has to be that first time right?
Good luck and I hope I see you on Food Network Challenge someday 
And I mean that!
Can't wait to see the pics of your first wedding cake if you care to share! A friend of mine asked me to make her wedding cake next July. But I live in Florida and she lives in Michigan, and when I travel I don't travel with my cake supplies. Smile. We'll see.
I dont think I could ever be on one of those cake competition shows...I dont think I have the right temperment 
But, I do have to say that you sometimes dont know how far you have come unless you look back sometimes. In my pics at the bottom is a koi cake I did for my Mom's birthday...First fondant..flowers..etc. It almost did me in, and I almost did not give it to her. This year I was determined to make her a better birthday cake redoing the same theme...by the time I finished I discovered how much difference a year can make. I have not been able to take any classes...this site has helped me so much...however, smooth buttercream and I do not get along...it is my nemisis Hang in there and practice, practice.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%