HI All!

I just need to vent and I know you all have heard this before but I am sooo discouraged right now. I just finished a cake for my SIL and it didn't turn out as nice as I would have liked....I had royal icing flowers and the cake was iced with buttercream. I guess I just wanted it to pop out and for me to think WOW! but it just didn't happen. I'm taking classes and sometimes get frustrated their too when things don't work out. I know part of my problem is I have such high expectations of myself but that's the way I've always been. I just want to be at the level most of you are at. For instance I idolize boween's work! She is sooooooo amazing....I would love to be able to decorate like that! I just don't know if I'm cut out for this.....although this is what I planned to do from my home as a business......don't know if it will be happening soon.

Sorry to be such a downer...

Oh and to top it off only two people left comments on my last picture I uploaded (budweiser cake-nothing too fancy)I know the cake doesn't have the "wow" factor but it's just nice when you get comments even if they are comments on how to improve........because I KNOW I need those ones! I guess two comments are better than none!

Thanks for listening!

I think you are just being to hard on yourself. i looked & your cakes & they look great. I also idolize Boween. I have been at it for almost a year now & still haven't made many cakes i am satisfied with. i think everyone feels the same way. Hang in there, just think of how far you've come.

Hi Gibson,
I feel the same way many times. It gets very frustrating when you can't make your cake look like your mind's eye wants it. I'm like you in that I except more of myself but it never is "good enough" in my eyes. I've done quite a lot of cakes in the past few months and only a small handful are what I consider really nice. I get lovely comments but I tend to find every imperfection and to me it stands out like a sore thumb. Thankfully most people don't notice but boy I sure do.

I so badly want to learn to work with fondant and the 10 or so times I've tried, it's a totally disaster. Nothing works. I get mad , say many choice words, usually end up in tears and give up. WHY is it so hard for me? What the heck am I doing wrong? UGH!! I know that frustration. Other people say, "it's JUST a cake" but we all know it's not JUST a cake. It's a passion for us.

I think part of the problem is that we compare our work to someone else's and it's usually someone who's been doing for years, has had tons of practice, an unbelievable talent or a combo of all of those. ( Boween! and so many others ) I look at the cakes here and can't imagine being that good. I WANT to be though.

Too bad we all can't get together and teach and learn from each other. Man, what fun that would be. Anyway, just wanted to let you know you're not alone! Hang in there!
KimAZ

Hang in there girl! I am new to this & struggle with the same thoughts often. This site keeps me going with all the helpful tips & info. Right now it is just a hobby for me, but I would like to make decorating a business someday too. We are our own worst critics. I have read that a lot on this site & it is sooo true. In every aspect of life really - I think anyway. If you enjoy it, stick with it because your cakes are awesome!!!

Youre not alone!!!! I constantly question my abilities and things dont always go my way!! But I think if you are truly passionate about decorating, you couldnt give it up! Just keep at it, dont give it up!!!!! Im tellin ya, practice, practice, practice!!!!!! Whenever I have some freetime, I try and work on a cake to try and improve my skills. Try working with cake dummies, thats a good way to get some practice!

I know what you mean. It is really frustrating when you when you work really hard on something and don't get a lot of comments or feel like it is nothing like what you wanted. I have only made a few cakes, and they are never perfect, but I figure that perfection, or near perfection comes with time. I learn something new with every cake and can only hope to improve from there. As someone else said, the perfect cakes are from someone who has been doing it for a really long time and has had their share of disappointments.

Whaddya mean, you question your abilities, Meghan?! Get outta this thread!

Gibson, we all do and remember, some people have more time to practice and other necessary options available more than others, too. Many people here have been decorating longer, too. Keep with it. I was going to write a thread like this myself just within a week's time. Save all those photos that didn't match up to your hopes for future reference when you are a real pro--that's what someone told me. Keep going!

Oh gibson, I do know how you feel! You have been kind to me and complimented me on a cake and yet I've felt exactly as you. There is always someone with more talent; or more experience, or both! Seeing all these beautiful cakes can make us frustrated when our efforts don't meet our expectations; don't measure up to what we see here; but the upside is seeing all these beautiful cakes can inspire; and give us something to strive for! What we must remember is to try to enjoy the ride while we are striving! We need to try to be kinder to ourselves and tell ourselves what we did right instead of what we did wrong! And we need to remember that it's just cake! And I am talking to myself as much as to you.

I'm sorry I didn't leave a comment on your bud cap; because I looked at it; and chuckled. It's a cute cake! And your roses are fantastic! You do have talent; and you will continue to grow and learn with each and every cake.

Now when I get down or make a negative comment about my work; remind me of my words! Ha!

(((gibson))) Be good to yourself!

Hey Zambode, I resent that comment!!!!!!! Im a tortured artist, Im tellin ya!!! No, really, I think whenever you are dealing with anything having to do with creation, when you are creating something, you tend to be very critical of yourself! It happens to al of us! Oh and if you are a perfectionist, forget about it!

Oh girls, don't be so hard on yourselves! I have been decorating for ???? years and sometimes I feel frustrated and discouraged too! There is always things to learn and new techniques to try! It takes practice, but if you love it hang in there and the rewards are great! Sometimes the non monetary rewards will be greater than the monetary ones. It's a good feeling to hear someone praise your work and we always have cakes that aren't what WE thing they should be, but others will love them! It happend to me a couple weeks ago. I made a cake and worked for hours on it, even scraped part of it off and started over. I finally got it done w/ a lot of frustration and a bad night ( why who knows). Everyone at worked thought it was wonderful and I had to bite my tongue.
I still love it, but it happens to all of us, beginners or not. Hang in there and enjoy the rewards!

Meghan89 is definitely a favorite of mine. Plus she gets brownie points because that is my daughter's name, too, with the h! I think one of these days she will make the Taj Mahal out of cake.

Gibson I just looked at your photos and you should be proud of everything. You've dabbled in alot already with very good results, nothing to feel badly about. You have great roses and I still cannot do a FBCT. Chin up!

Gibson...you read my mind.

Its 1230am (NY time) and I'm sitting here in front of my computer...why? Because I cant sleep thinking about whether or not I'm in over my head.

I completely understand how you feel....I try and try so hard and when it just doesnt come out the way I invisioned (spelled right?!) it, I just wanna throw the apron in and give up.

Its true what many have said here so far...there are those that have lots more years doing this and more time to practice. Thats what I wish I had, MORE TIME TO PRACTICE....with a 1 1/2 year old in the house I should be glad I'm able to make a meal!!! (ha ha!)

I guess we just gotta do our best and be happy with what we do (easier said than done) Thanks to this site, at least I know I'm not the only one out there who feels down and out sometimes!!

Gibson....hang in there, ok?!

THANKS EVERYONE...for your support and helping us newbies keep our heads up no matter what!!

P.S. I just saw your pics...and they are real nice!!

I cant ice a cake for the life of me....thats why I've stuck with fondant which doesnt always come out that great.

You can ice, your roses are awesome, and your bear cakes are super cute!!!

I just want you to know that I have just looked at your cakes and they are beautiful...Your roses are so perfect, all of your cakes are great! I have never taken any decorating classes, I just decorate for my family from ideas I get off of this site. Someday I will be brave enough to post a picture of a cake that I make but for now I just sit back and enjoy all of the beautiful cakes that I see on this site including yours!

It takes lots and lots and lots of practice. I myself am new to decorating and I am nowhere near as good as most people on here. I'll look at cakes sometimes and say Wow how in the heck did they do that! It just keeps me motivated, to keep pushing myself. Hopefully, one day we'll both be there and look back and laugh at ourselves. Keep decorating, don't give up!
Take care...

Michelle

OH i know how you feel. Its tough especially when people post such wonderful works of art.

My problem is that the work never matches the picture in my head and that is why I get so frustrated but obviously to an outsider looking in its fine cause they can't see the image in my head.

I guess we have to stick together and keep encouraging each other.

I also understand how you feel about the comments on cakes posted, makes you wonder. One of my favourite cakes and also a cake for my daughter received no comments at all for 5 months, my little girl was devestated that no one liked her cake..... I am sure someone did.

I was just admiring your roses the other day, they are oh so beautiful and full and ope, mine never come out like that.

KEEP YOUR CHIN UP.... There are so many in the same boat.

I feel both of you. I never want to give up but I sometimes get tired of giving cakes away for the sake of practice. It is easier for me to practice on a real cake than dummies and pans for some reason but it is also expensive to do so. I keep pushing myself though. Keep pushing yourselves as well.

I do feel the same way...especially after this week...read my cake disaster on the forum under chevvy car from hell..

After that I really felt bad and felt like stopping but have decided to carry on and see how things go..my confidence has taken a knock though....

But chin up we all go through it at some stage.....and hopefully we can try and forget about the few problem ones and focus on all the fab ones

Take heart because we all have been there. I remember when I couldn't ruffle, my icing wasn't smooth. But even now, my roses are still not where I want them to be; I get frustrated at times, because I am constantly pushing myself to get to the next level. The old adage practice makes perfect, is real. Be patient with yourself. If you need additional hands-on help take a class---I was self-taught for years, but when I couldn't get to the next level, I took classes, and I took classes with the best teachers that I could afford. I have a mini-library of cake decorating books. Some techniques I could pick up by reading the books or watching a video, but with other techniques, especially gumpaste flowers, I found that I learn better and faster in an actual class. Some great cake artists like Scott Clark Woolley never took a formal cake decorating class. But all great decorators I'm sure put in a lot of hours of practice.

Don't give up!! Keep at it and I'm sure you will surprise yourself at how good you'll get.

Don't get discouraged!! We've all been there! And we are our own worst critics!! And you're doing a great job on your cakes!! About the comments, I've been there...unhappy that I only got 1 or 2 comments or none at all, especially when I thought it would have gotten more. Just remember, there is a lot of volume passing through this website, so sometimes your pics get moved along faster than at other times. Just know that everyone is here to help and if you ever need a cake critiqued, just ask.

Gibson, I think your cakes are wonderful. I ADORE Boween's work and I finally just gave up on trying to make a cake look even remotely close to hers. Now I just look at her pictures and think.. well, how close to that CAN I get? And I don't have to worry about copying her because it looks nothing like hers when I'm finished. Lol! And there are days when I say That's it! I really blow at this and I quit. But then I'm right back on this site looking for new ideas and recipes for the next cake. Keep your chin up and keep up the great work!

I'm having one of those days today! I haven't even started decorating the cake, I just mean with cookies! UGH

[quote="dky"]

My problem is that the work never matches the picture in my head and that is why I get so frustrated but obviously to an outsider looking in its fine cause they can't see the image in my head.
Iquote]


I am the same way but I also find that after a little distance and time, I can look at pictures of my cakes and think 'not too bad'. I have a long way to go but I know other people enjoy the work I do and that is what really counts (I keep repeating that over and over to myself)

I know how you feel about the comments on the pictures, too but I know that like the last cake I posted it only tool about 1 day for it to be on page 3 or 4 of the last uploads search. I am often surprised when something comes up about a cake that may have been posted for a while and I had completely missed it even though I spend way too many hours on this computer.

Try not to be discouraged. Your cakes are great and remember there has only been one perfect person to ever walk this earth!

Cindy

Hi there. Some of these cakes on this site can be really intimidating, while yet motivational! What a cool site!

Something I do so that I'm not disappointed when no one comments on my cakes on this site (especially ones that I've worked so hard on) is send an email to my friends with the picture. I'll say something like, "hey, I just wanted to pass along my favorite cake for the week. He/she really enjoyed it" or something like that. My friends who don't have a clue about baking cakes really enjoy seeing some of my pictures and those responses can be encouraging.

I believe if I based my expectations off of the cakecentral comments or lack of, I'd be disappointed. Please don't do that because there are only so many hours in the day and SO many cakes on this site. Like some others have said, this website generates many great cake pictures!! That's why I really like it! I love being "wow"ed by these cakes.

(And, I believe your cakes have "wow"ed some others on this site. Keep it up!)

I know exactly how you feel! Like others have said what actually shows up on the cake looks nothing like you plan in your head.

When I found out I didn't place at all for either of my two entries in the SD cake show, I wanted to call it quits. I didn't expect anything for my cake once I knew I was moved to a higher category (I guess I should be flattered). I was extremely dissappointed when I didn't place in my cookies!!!!!!!!! I thought those were a sure winner! I guess I'm not as good as I thought I was. I wanted to sell all my decorating stuff. I wanted my BIL to delete my cake gallery from the family website! I made up my mind that I wasn't going to decorate another thing!!! EVER!!!!!!!!!

Well, that mood has since past but will NEVER be forgotten!!!! I'll never forgive those judges EVER!!!!!!! I probably won't enter next year but I have a whole year to change my mind. I didn't even want to be on this site anymore because I thought I wasn't good enough. This was the worst I felt ever about my decorating ability.

Let it pass! You make beautiful creations! Don't be so hard on yourself (yeah, coming from the horse's mouth here). We are our own worst critics!!!


Chin up!!!!!!!!!





Amy

Don't feel like the lone ranger!!! I felt that way yesterday myself.. You've go the same disease I do! I am very critical of my work. I always wonder what I could have done better and always wonder who is going to see it whereve it's going and what are they going to say. I did a small wedding cake for friends yesterday and the icing wasn't smooth enough...it was leaning just a little....I hope they like it.....i STRESS so badly until it's delivered. And don't get me started on transport and delivery. My Grandma has done this for 35 years or so and she the guru as far as I'm concerned. I never took any classes. I just watched and absorbed it for 10 years - and so what little talent I have I owe to her! It just tickels me to hear her say that she thinks I have talent and that she thinks I'm creative. I don't have any pics of my work on yet because I don't know how. I have to get my hubby to show me. When I do, let me know what you think. I did go look at your work and left feedback. Your roses are really something and that little bear cake is just too cute. Chin up and for everything you see you don't like about a cake, try and find something you do. -I was at a wedding I made the cake for. It was soooo cool to stand and listen to the peoples reactions that didn't know I made the cake. And the mother'of the bride and groom had introduced me to quite a few people who wanted to know who made the cake! That feels GREAT! Take those moments and comments to heart and keep up the good work and draw inspiration from the others on this site. Some of their works are amazing!!!!!!

It is hard when we first start. I just finished my last class of course 3. I am much better now then I was in course 1 . I know I have to crawl before I can walk. So don't let all the cake you see on here make you think you will never make it. I saw a thread of the cake of some of the great cake decoraters on this site when they first started and It helped me know I can make it. and so can you. I have found like all things it just takes time.Hang in there and it will come to you.

oh, I have felt that way many times. I am in my 3rd year of serious decorating, and have JUST gotten to the point where I don't want to throw up after every cake. My first year' maybe two was full of problems, frustrations and the like. this is a skill that takes time to hone; we all just need to keep plugging away and practicing. Practice practice practice!

AND NOT BE SO SELF CRITICAL.....i know all about that one too!

hang tuff gal; you are great!