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When to call yourself a Professional......

post #1 of 15
9/29/12 at 1:37pm
Thread Starter 
I am sure this topic has been touched on before, but I have been wondering this last year about whether or not to call myself a professional. What criteria are used to determine the professionals from the unprofessionals? Is it mentality/ego based, customer reviews, # of orders, execution, etc.....

So my question to you is:

At what point in your career did you start calling yourself a professional?

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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post #2 of 15
9/29/12 at 1:52pm
My understanding with this, in any business, is that as soon as you start accepting money for your work, you are considered a professional. Now, that is only what I was taught, should be interesting to see what others have to say.
When life gives you lemons, make grape juice and let everyone figure out how you did it!
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When life gives you lemons, make grape juice and let everyone figure out how you did it!
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post #3 of 15
9/29/12 at 1:53pm
When it's your profession, your occupation, what you do for a living/your livelihood...
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/professional?s=t
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2011 "I WAS FEATURED ON CAKE CENTRAL" badge:
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post #4 of 15
9/29/12 at 2:22pm
Thread Starter 
So maybe to further my question, what makes a decorator a Master decorator maybe.

I have been browsinng Cake Wrecks lately, and the thing that gets me is that the cakes on there are from Professionals. And that is what got me thinking about the criteria to call yourself one.

Anyway, maybe I am just putting too much thought into it.

Just thought I would get others opinions.

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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post #5 of 15
9/29/12 at 2:48pm
Technically speaking, if you get paid for doing something you could say you are a proffessional, but I think there is so much more to it in this case. It seems like a lot of people in the cake industry are selling cakes without being licensed, following the laws set forth and etc. I would personally not call those people proffessionals.
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post #6 of 15
9/29/12 at 3:54pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ladyhawke917

Technically speaking, if you get paid for doing something you could say you are a proffessional, but I think there is so much more to it in this case. It seems like a lot of people in the cake industry are selling cakes without being licensed, following the laws set forth and etc. I would personally not call those people proffessionals.



I agree completely.

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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post #7 of 15
9/29/12 at 5:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brettley

So maybe to further my question, what makes a decorator a Master decorator maybe.



I can't define a Master decorator but according to The Bakers' Union, you aren't considered a true Journeyman cake decorator if you can't make roses, write, or figure pipe. You're considered an Apprentice "cake icer" if you make borders, leaves, stems, sweetpeas, etc., but you don't qualify for the "decorator" wages until you've learned those three skills, bid on the position (when available), passed the bench test, and are awarded the title by an independent judge that doesn't know your "style".
HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
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HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
Reply
post #8 of 15
9/29/12 at 6:07pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unlimited

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brettley

So maybe to further my question, what makes a decorator a Master decorator maybe.



I can't define a Master decorator but according to The Bakers' Union, you aren't considered a true Journeyman cake decorator if you can't make roses, write, or figure pipe. You're considered an Apprentice "cake icer" if you make borders, leaves, stems, sweetpeas, etc., but you don't qualify for the "decorator" wages until you've learned those three skills, bid on the position (when available), passed the bench test, and are awarded the title by an independent judge that doesn't know your "style".



That is more or less what I am asking. What seperates the good from the bad. What do us "apprentice decorators" need to know before we can gain a new title, as a master or journeyman.

It's too bad that there weren't modules. Haha.

I guess returning customers is always a good sign that you are doing something right.

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply
post #9 of 15
9/29/12 at 8:15pm
When you stop asking questions/saying things like this:

How much to charge? (Unless it's something really complex and want to bounce the idea off other decorators)

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaalp! Customer didn't like cake and wants a refund!!!

Haaaaaaaalp! Cake due tomorrow! How do I make this?!?! (and it's something that should have been made a week in advance)

Where do I find a steamer? (Just kidding...not really. Sometimes it's good for patent leather and...ok, that's it, just patent leather)

icon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gif All in fun, all in fun.
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post #10 of 15
9/29/12 at 8:31pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Brettley

It's too bad that there weren't modules. Haha.



The "modules" or standardization for measuring, in this case, was based on speed, consistency, and accuracy.

It's appropriate when journeyman wages are awarded to the most highly-skilled decorators rather than the ones with the most seniority because sometimes you can't teach an old dog a new trick, and they never get it right with all the practice in the world. (It takes a true, natural artistic ability to gain the skillyou either have it, or you don't.)
HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
Reply
HOW TO:
Make tip #127D (giant rose tip) Ruffle cake,
Write with icing,
Make buttercream roses on a stick:
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/Unlimited1cakes/
Reply
post #11 of 15
9/29/12 at 8:54pm
Our State Fair classifies "professional" as when you make more than a $1000 in a year. If you make less than that , they classify you as "amateur." That's just the classification if you enter decorated cakes in the State Fair in SC.
Cakes are my canvas and icing is my medium.
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Cakes are my canvas and icing is my medium.
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post #12 of 15
9/29/12 at 8:57pm
...and you can earn different designations through ICES, PME, and many of the schools.
Cakes are my canvas and icing is my medium.
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Cakes are my canvas and icing is my medium.
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post #13 of 15
9/29/12 at 10:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZCouture

When you stop asking questions/saying things like this:

How much to charge? (Unless it's something really complex and want to bounce the idea off other decorators)

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaalp! Customer didn't like cake and wants a refund!!!

Haaaaaaaalp! Cake due tomorrow! How do I make this?!?! (and it's something that should have been made a week in advance)

Where do I find a steamer? (Just kidding...not really. Sometimes it's good for patent leather and...ok, that's it, just patent leather)

icon_biggrin.gificon_biggrin.gif All in fun, all in fun.



This made me chuckle.

When I was just starting out, If I had known about Cake Central, I likely would have posted in the Haaaalp forums. But unfortunately I did not know that it existed, and I remember MANY MANY practice cakes. And LOTS of money spent on dummies.

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply
post #14 of 15
9/30/12 at 5:17am
This is an awesome question. Super complicated! Although i suppose the short answer would be when you are paid for the work you provide. I'm sure we have all seen things paid for that were less than the quality and caliber that someone would consider "professional".

To me it's skill level. Are the cakes produced clean, level, smooth? No tears, pokes, damage, messiness? And yes fresh and delicious too!? Of course there is always room for improvement even a Master decorator would agree to that.

For my experience (Culinary school, apprentice, pastry cook, assistant pastry chef, and then executive pastry chef) it is being granted a "Title" that makes you a professional. In culinary school you are told when you graduate you will be a chef. This is not true! I was an apprentice during school, and then a "Cook, Level 1" after school. Never was I called "Chef" until I was hired as a Pastry Chef (dept. head) in a restaurant.

So I guess my answer would be if those around you would consider your work professional? A jury of peers, so to speak? Does someone just starting out aspire to your skill level?

sorry for the longish post... I said it was complicated lol
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Life's short... Eat dessert first!
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Life's short... Eat dessert first!
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post #15 of 15
9/30/12 at 6:48am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by AngieV256



So I guess my answer would be if those around you would consider your work professional? A jury of peers, so to speak? Does someone just starting out aspire to your skill level?
icon_biggrin.gif



I LOVE this. I never really thought of it that way, but that could definitely be something to consider when one is trying to figure out whether they are or are not.

You are right, it is a super complicated subject, and does not have an easy answer. But I love hearing your thoughts on the subject.

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

Reply

A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest piece.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Dressed-Cakes-by-Brett/200852383318927

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