Hey ..

I'm not sure if this is being posted in the right area, let alone if I should even post this at all, but I guess I feel that I need some validation or at least someone to tell me I'm being an idiot ..

I made a cake yesterday and while it wasn't perfect, I was riding high emotionally on all the positive comments I received from people in attendance at the party. ((Even people from a party on the other side of the restaurant were coming over to look at it))

I couldn't wait to post it on CC today and add it to my gallery! I had previously asked for guidance on making this cake and received quite a few answers. I wanted to share the cake that CC readers had helped me with.

I went and posted it, then viewed the gallery to make sure it uploaded okay. And there, about 4 rows down, was another cake in the same style, but so much better -- absolutely stunning in every way -- and it makes mine look like a 5 year old made it.

Now I wish I could take the photo off the gallery and hide it somewhere.

Am I the only one who feels like I don't even belong to this community? That no matter what I'll never be at the caliber of everyone else posting?

I know this is a forum for all levels of decorators ... beginners all the way to expert. I guess I just feel inadequate when I see my cakes in comparison with all the masterpieces.

I have learned so much from this board .. but sometimes i wonder if I am the only one out there questioning myself. Am I completely crazy? Maybe I am ... or maybe my posting this might help someone else realize that they aren't the only ones feeling like this. I guess the real question is how do I go about getting over it??

Vent over ...
J

You stay right here on this forum! Everyone was a beginner once, everyone had their first time to make a certain technique, everyone has someone else who's better at (x) than they are. I am sorry you feel disappointed that someone else made a similar cake that you perceive as better executed than yours... Your party guests were delighted with your cake, as well as the guests at the other party. Focus on that, study the other cake for what they did that you like better, and relive the compliments from the party guests.

Funny thing, when I was a beginner, I could do basketweave practically with my eyes closed. I even got a ribbon for a basketweave cake. But right after that, I got some sort of brain block about basketweaving and I can't do it to save my life. Now I look at other people's basketweave cakes and sigh that I can't do it like that. Keeps me from getting too big for my britches!

Deanna

ohhhh wow !! I know just how you feel, I so often think I should just give up.

Hi,

I just wanted to let you know that you are not along when it comes to seeing the many other cakes that are posted that have been doing this for a long time. I know that when I first posted my first cake I was flying highter than the clouds.

And yes when you see a cake that is better then yours just remeber that they were also just starting out. So don't let this get you down. As you do more cakes you will see for yourself that you are getting as good as anyone just starting.

When I entered the cake contest for purple cakes, after posting my first wedding cake, I was so happy and the my bride just loved her cake. Then I was looking at some of the other enterys, boy did I want to pull my cake out but, I did not of course I did not win, but I plan on trying again.

Just have fun with what you are doing and keep on doing more cakes.

Your fellow cake decorator.
mrsjah

well, after looking at your other photos....

ok, so, your cake (the castle?) was up to "snuff" compared to others by your evaluation...

but consider all your other cakes....

you've got all kinds of great ones...and you certainly have mastered the cupcake cake.

don't beat yourself so hard (save that for the frosting!). You're doing just fine and even better than others.

No matter what, there will always be someone how is better/ faster/ smarter/ thiner (grrrr)/ whatever!

appreciate your talent, develop it, share it with others AND US.

(so, how soon will see your next masterpiece?)

I just went and looked at your cakes. They are gorgeous! I assume the pony castle cake is the one you're unhappy with... Why??? It's just the cutest thing, and the ponies on it are an adorable touch. I've done one of those blasted castle cakes before and I don't think I ever - ever - want to do another one. I applaud you and find nothing wrong with your cake. (Even though you felt the need to point out a flaw in your comments. How about taking that comment line out? No one would know it was there if you didn't mention it.)

I just re-read your description of the cake - - - You even put Hershey kisses in the turrets?!?! That's a great idea! Wish I'd have thought of it!

Chin up!

Deanna

I felt exactly the same way when I put up my first pics. I am starting to feel more confident now, but it takes time. Like everyone else said, everyone starts somewhere, and we are our own worst critic. I made a 2 layer 16" heart cake yesterday with Strawberry Shortcake on top for my cousin's birthday yesterday. Everyone at the party loved it. I thought it looked crooked, could have had more cream, etc. Someone there even asked me to do cakes for her kids birthdays... so I am going to remind myself that I can do better next time, and everyone else was happy with it. Keep decorating!

I also looked at your photos,You do a great job! Don't worry about how one cake turned out.( By the way, I think it looks pretty doggone good).
We all have our insecurities, but I cant wait to see your next creation.
Like I told someone earlier, You just need a good dose of self-esteem.
At least you've done the castle cake, I have been wanting to, but so far....... Chin up Girlfriend, you'll just get better all the time.

Your cakes are great! I don't see a problem with them at all! Very neat and nice work. I think everybody can find cakes that are better than theirs. All I have to do to ruin my day is start surfing the 'net and checking out professional cake decorator's sites.... then I feel like such a childish decorator! But then others think my cakes are good and ask me how to do them. So there will always be people better than you....but remember there are a whole lot of people who wish they were as GOOD as you! So just do your best and learn whatever you can and HAVE FUN!

WOW!

I feel the same way everytime I post one of my pictures in the gallery, so I know exactly how you feel.

I know that my cakes are not even close to what others are doing, but I get compliments all the time, not only from CC, but from family and friends I do cakes for. I just hope that one day my cakes will be as awesome as the ones I see posted everyday!

Don't worry - everybody's cakes are beautiful in their own way! Hope that came out right........

I think I've felt exactly the way you feel many times . But I won't let it stop me from doing what I like to do!
I know my limits and I know that there is NO WAY I will ever be as good as some of the decorators out there or in here, but that's okay.
And people loved your cake and ooh'd and ahh'd over it so it WAS a good cake! We are our own worst critics! Please don't be so hard on yourself because there's always going to be a bigger fish , but us smaller fish can still be pretty tasty
Be happy and continue making your wonderful cakes with gusto!!!

You don't have any feelings that many of us have on occasion too! As many have said there is always going to be someone who we think is much better than we are....that is human nature!

One thing that I like to do is look at someone's pics, go to the bottom of the page and see what their cakes looked like when they first started posting them and then see how they have progressed! It is a amazing!!

Even if someone doesn't feel that they "measure up" to others, it isn't a big contest here, it is all about sharing - ideas and information (and even mistakes!) . Don't beat yourself up - you have something to offer here too....we all do!

I feel the same way and I haven't even posted any photos yet! Practice and more practice, is what I am told. I can't go any further right now with Wilton so I will just make do with what I have. It will come together sooner or later, I suppose. Keep going, one day that person whose cake you think is better than yours will be in awe at something YOU make!

so.....I thought I would open your pictures and see cakes that were like mine....BUT NO...Your cakes are WONDERFUL!!

But yes...I completely know how you feel!! But I will say this.....as "out of place" me and my cakes may feel sometimes it is NEVER because the people on this board make me feel that way. I have NEVER seen or recieved a rude comment!!

I'm impressed all the time around here and even more so when I can try or get a close job done!

J
I am sure that you realize that many of us have felt the same way as you feel! Everyone here knows how it goes! You do nice cakes and remember...it is cake! To be eaten!!!

I just always look at cake designs I am doing as a learning experience. It is like many things in life, until you do it, you aren't always sure how it goes.I love the challenges I get and welcome ideas for something I have never done before even if it scares me to death!

One thing I have learned is that Cake Central is the best place for any cake decorator, regardless of experience, to visit, ask questions and to share. The knowledge and talent on this site is amazing. So stick with us and one of these days, you'll recognize you own talents!!

I was wondering the same thing about myself but this is with cookies. All the hype about the No Fail Cookies and Antonia's royal icing really had me fueled. I finally got around to doing it and my cookies came out NO where near the beautiful cookies I see on this site.
I was like 'are these really the recipes they use?' because it didn't end up the way everyone's did.
I figure I'll give it one more chance. Which is what you should keep doing. Over time, you will perfect whatever you bake....

sweettreasures....me too!! My first batch of no fail cookies I doubled except I was talking to one of the kids and got distracted so I only double half of the recipe........I had the hardest ball of dough!! I started to cry and thought I can NEVER go back to CC......I surely thought I couldn''t come to vent about how it worked for all and not me!!!

I have to tell you I am one that feels like you. I look at all these beautiful cakes and wonder when I am going to get there. However, I looked at your cakes and said to myself she is crazy they are beautiful and when am I going to get there? I post my cakes anyway and it makes you feel really good when other decorators, you peers, tell you good job. We all have different talents and ideas to bring to the table and I have never been made to feel like I don't belong here like I have in other places. Practice makes perfect they say so we just need to keep practicing. Stay here and keep up the beautiful work.

Finally,
Don't feel so bad hun, when I first discovered this site I was elated, and then, because I happen to decorate at a "bleep" mart I definetely felt out of place. There for a while I didn't want to participate or post anything I had done because I was afraid that it would look like one of those "slab" cakes.
A couple of times I did feel pretty bad, because of what I, personally perceived as criticism, not for what I do (decorate cakes) but for where I work. I definitely felt out of place and like I did not belong. (Now ladies and gents, don't get me wrong, there are no ill feelings at all, this was just what I thought, perhaps not what actually was meant). But I hung in there, cause I knew I had something to learn and to contribute.

So , yes, a lot of us peeps here feel inadequate for one reason or another when compared to someone who has done this longer than we have. But that's like comparing a 4th grade beginning violin player to Itzak Perlman.

You know he had to start somewhere and I bet at first it sounded like he was killing the family cat. But, he kept up with the practice and he is where he is today because he didn't give up.
We shouldn't give up either. No giving up when we think we are inferior and no giving up when we think we are alone.

I have learned lots of things from this site and it has given me the knowledge to try things at home AND at work that I never would have thought of myself. I didn't give up nor should you. You have invaluable insights that others may not have thought of.
And remember, it's not the destination with cakes and decorating but the yummy journey, cause we all know that we will keep learning new techniques, new recipes and different ways of doing stuff that we never thought of before.
Just my two cents there.
Man, I hope, I didn't say too much.

You are a big goose

You're cakes are outstanding! You need to feel proud of yourself and of your abilities.

I don't often comment on topics like this, because often the people who feel insecure about their cakes are beginners and do have much to learn, but you are obviously skilled and your cakes reflect this.

If you spend your life comparing yourself to others you will always disapoint yourself, be the best you can be and hold your head high!

Dont Give Up!!!!!!! You really have to remember, practice, practice, practice!!!! Your cakes do not look like the work of a beginner, and if you feel you have a knack for it, keep at it! I too sometimes will get a nagging feeling that my work is not good enough, but I think that comes with anything dealing in the arts! If you enjoy doing it, keep on doing it, and do the best you can do and that is all that matters!

Well now!! I just looked at your cakes and they are very beautiful. If you don't belong here with beautiful cakes like that then I surely don't belong here with the cakes that I have decorated.
Just remember that everyone has to start somewhere and you're not going to learn everything over night. Although, I wish I could. This site, in my opinion, was meant specifically for people like you and I. The beginners with the heart and will power to learn. And all the others that already know what they are doing are just here to help us ( LOL Just kidding) . Seriously, people from all levels belong here. No one person knows everything there is to know and we all help each other out. We're more than a "Community". We are "Friends". Sometimes I think that is more important than the instruction and guidance that we receive. It's nice to know that we have people that we can turn to for help no matter what the problem is.

*hugs*
Lazy_Susan

Post pics...who me? No way not yet. I have to work up that confidence. I have people rave about what I can make but to put out there for the world to see. I just can't

But you can and you should be proud!

After looking at your cakes I feel you do a Great job. I think we all beat up on ourselves at one point or the other, but you have nothing to worry about you are doing GREAT. I love the castle cake. I was to try one but I just had not have the chance to.


Keep up the Great job.


That's why we are here to pick you up when you are down.

I feel the same way. Even when I think my cakes are pretty good, I post them and then get few or no comments from members on the site and then I second guess my ability. Everyone around me says my cakes are great, so are they just being nice? Or why don't the experts on this site think so?

Oh well, I just keep making them and posting them hoping to get better.

BTW-Your cakes are awesome! I love your castle cake, not sure what you thought wasn't good about it! And your cupcake cakes are great!

Why is it we are our own worst critics when it comes to anything we have done no matter who else likes it? We as a human race are never happy it seems-believe me-I am as guilty as anyone! But you have given someone (numerous times!) something special from you-your time, talent, ideas, creativity-and you should be very proud of yourself no matter who does what in any picture. You need to give yourself a big pat on the back for making your client very happy and for all the compliments from others who came to look at your cake and continue to look at the pictures! You did yourself proud and while there will always be selfdoubt which in turn pushes us to do better-you deserve alot of credit!!

Hi finally,

First off, your cakes are beautiful.

I feel the same way when I look @ everyone else's cakes...they are the bomb!!

My cakes are average...nothing to write home about but I enjoy decorating and will continue until I can't anymore

I just keep saying to myself that hopefully, someday, I will be that great also.

Stop being so hard on yourself...you are great

Do you want to feel better?? take a look at my pathetic excuses for cakes!! lol My family and friends say I'm doing great. then I look on here and wonder why I'm here with this caliber of decorators. Then I remember that every once in a while, I might help someone come up with an idea for a cake. More than likely, I'm making someone laugh because they think that this newbie has now idea what she's talking about!! lol You're obviously bringing sunshine to someone's day, especially the ones that get to gaze upon your cakes in person. You're doing a great job. You've heard the expression "the camera adds 10 lbs". Maybe "the camera doesn't make my cake look as good as it did in person" should apply here. It does with my cakes!! Continue to post them all. The littleist (sp) thing could inspire someone to do something on one of their own cakes!!! You just don't know it!!

I know exactly how you feel. I think I broke out into a cold sweat the first time I put a picture on line. Heck, I break out in a cold sweat every time! I know I am not up to the level of most of the people on here. Even the ones who think they are no good. But, I enjoy decorating cakes and I am better than any of my friends because they don't do it at all.

My problem is that I don't have an original thought in my head so most of my cakes are copies of ones I have seen in a book or here on line. I always try to credit the person but sometimes I forget. After all, I am only human. In the cold sweat of putting the picture on line I think I black out or something. I definetly rush because I might change my mind.

Anyway, keep up the great work!

And thanks to all of you for your inspiration, encouragment and knowledge.

First, I think your cakes are great!

Second, I think it is only human to doubt yourself. It is good that you do because then you strive to improve. If everyone thought what they did was great many of the things that we have today wouldn't exist. Its like when someone looks at a picture of themselves and say, "Oh, I look ugly! Look at my (fill in the blank). " But when I look at the same person I think they look great and sometimes can't even see the whatever they think looks so bad.

So, I say better the world by making yourself better!