Do any of you draw how you want your cake decorated out on paper before you actually decorate the cake? How do you get all your thought together about where to put what?
I have an order for this weekend and they want an (Ole Miss) Rebels guy on the cake (huge) and then the words Ole Miss Rebels and Happy 11th Birthday Hunter - all that on there. I don't want everything to look all bunched up, but with all that on there- how else would it look. Oh yeah, they also want some Mississippi Rebel flags on it too. I suggested putting them on the sides, but they acted like they really want at else one on top too.
Thanks, Crystal

I'm from Mississippi too....Hi! and yes, I do draw out my cakes before I actually start working on them....

I do sometimes. It depends on the cake.

Debbie

Wow- that is neat. It is a small world. I wondered if anyone would know where Ole Miss was even at.
Thanks,
Crystal

If I have a photo of a cake that I'm using as a model, or some graphics, messages, etc., I print that from my computer, along with my own ideas and plans. I have room to make drawings and/or write any notes as I go along, this way I don't forget anything, I can check my spelling, etc. I keep the print-out with notes on how it came out, any problems, or changes that I'd make if I did that type of cake again. Janice

I usually draw it out, even if it's just a simple sketch. I almost always end up changing the design in some way as I go, but it makes for a good guideline so I don't forget anything or get off track. It really depends on the difficutly of the cake.

BTW, I'm in MS too, and I know all about Ole Miss (aka Party University)!

Yes, I usually sketch out my design on paper.

Hello,
I draw out my designs as well if I do not have a photo to go by. I am a graphic designer full time and I use my computer at work to layout cakes sometimes too. Especially if I am putting a design on a sheetcake I can draw out the exact size of the sheetcake and then layout the design on it so I know what size I can make the image. I know thats not something everyone can do but it's just my little trick. Otherwise I draw things out by hand. It really helps so that things don't get out of hand on the cake.
HTH,
Heather

As of right now I don't draw out my designs. Maybe once I start selling my cakes I will but for the time being I'll stick to the pictures in my head I couldn't draw if my life depended on it so that doesn't make my life easier either!!

I do a lot of doodling, drawing out theoretical cakes, but when it comes to the real thing, I usually choke and don't really know what I'm doing until I start decorating. I usually have a million ideas floating around in my head and just see how it will all work out. But then, I have rarely had special requests. I think if I did, I would draw it out, especially if there's that much stuff to squeeze in!

Here is what I would do if I were doing that cake:

I would make the WHOLE top of the cake the Rebel flag.

Then on top of the flag, in the middle of the cake, would put a football player kind of like this: SEE ATTACHMENT. Or you could make it like he is tearing through the flag....kind of like cheerleaders do at footballgames....

Then, I would do the writing on the sides or on the board the cake is on....You need to tell these guys that there is only SO much you can fit on a cake.
LOL

Leslie

I always plan out what I'm going to make. It's almost like a lab procedure report. I have sections for pictures, ingredient and tool lists, and procedures. The more planning I do beforehand saves time and avoids most problems.

I don't post much here but lurk mostly : ) wanted to add that I just started doing this. I used paint shop pro to design my son's scooby doo cake I just finished. I have used paint shop for digital scrapbooking so already knew the program. It wasn't hard and worked out really well.


Amy in Alaska

Using a sketch is very helpful for figuring out word and graphic placement on a cake. I usually write in the colours too, and if I'm not sure of colour combinations, I'll get out the kids' pencil crayons. Making a side list of all the colours I need to make and approximate amounts of icing needed in each colour has saved me scads of time when I actually sit down to decorate.

How funny I totally draw out the cake I am going to make......I just figured I was the only one who did that.

When you get an order like this, be sure to go over the details with the customer and don't be affraid to make suggestions to eliminate features or add features. After all, you're doing the cake and you know what is possible and what looks best. I'm pretty sure, they'll take your advise.

Wow! I can't imagine doing a cake without a visual reference. I sketch all of my cake designs for people to approve in advance, like this one I just made today....I just posted the finished cake photo in the Gallery. Sometimes cakes are booked a year in advance and I wouldn't remember what the heck I was thinking about unless we had a picture. My memory is appauling!!

I sometimes draw out my ideas...and sometimes I have a clear picture in my mind.

antonia74...your wedding cake turned out gorgeous! It looks just like your drawing. That method works really well for you!
traci

I do too....or at least alot of the time.... but it never comes out as great as in the pictures....

I draw them out and color them in with my husband's art pencils...it gives me a good visual. I don't necessarily follow the sketch when I decorate, but it helps to give people an idea. Here is a sketch I emailed to a lady wanting a chocolate tiered cake for her anniversary in 3 weeks. I scanned it in to the computer, and she had it the next day. When I planned events for our school, I always drew out the events and the colors on paper so the kids had a visual before they decided they liked it or not. Some people just don't have the imaginations. They need to see it first to believe it will be great.