I received a call from a guy wanting a cake for his girlfriend. He wants unicorns, fairies, and dragons. No problem, I know I can do this.

I go ahead and explain to him that I have never made any, but can send him some ideas. I go ahead and find some really nice pics of things I feel confident I can make. I explain to him "this is what I can make". He goes ahead and sends me these amazing "Ace of Cake" style cakes with really intricate figurines. I am very well aware that every artist has their own twist on things so I do not like telling my cutomers "I can make that exact design". Its just not true. You can imitate, but it will never be an exact replica.

How can I explain to him that I am self taught and don't feel I have the technique needed to make those designs, without sounding rude or with a lack of interest. He knows I am self taught, but more as a reminder.

What would you write?

Exactly what you just said! It doesn't sound rude or with a lack of interest. I'm sure he will understand. And let him know that the people at Ace of Cakes have years of experience and you don't, but you are more than willing to do your best.

I agree with KASCARLETT.

Thanks for your reply.

I'm always worried on how I should word things since messages/emails are read with "tones". I always want to make sure mine don't have a negative tone to them.

I agree... exactly what you wrote... not to mention the people from ace of cakes are more like artists than bakers... and they'll tell you that!

I totally agree. Whenever a bride brings me a pic of a cake she wants I always tell them it will not look exactly the same, it will be my interpretation of the cake as no 2 people work the same. I always show them examples of my work so they can judge my skills. So far people have been accepting & understanding of that.

I've looked at your work it's excellent, you shouldn't worry. Don't put yourself down for being self taught. I was for years the only new things I learnt from classes was just how to do things simpler instead of going round in circles & pulling my hair out.

As for ace of cakes, lets face it most of them aren't even cake, so you wouldn't want do exact replicas

Thanks Silly,

I like to be as honest as I can. I would never say I can do something just to get the job. )

And yes, the fact that Ace of Cakes makes "cakes" just out of mostly wood irks me too!

Dear Sir,

Thank you so much for the wonderful inspirational photos, those figures are all individual and handmade so each artist will have their own twist on them, so they won't all be exactly like the ones pictured (since I wasn't the artist that created those). The figures will be $XXX.XX each and the cake will be $XXXX.XX for a total of $XXX.XX.....you can send your deposit of $XXX .XX and i will put you on my calendar. The balance of $XX.XX is due by (Date). Thank you again for your inquiry, i look forward to working with you on this order.

Sincerely,
(you)