Just wondering if you all draw sketches of your cakes while you are still in the planning stage? Do you color them, etc? Are there ways to "cheat" at this if you aren't very talented at drawing? Thanks in advance.

I personally couldn't do a sketch if my life depended on it.

SKETCH???WHAT"S A SKETCH??? I look on sites for different ideas and modify them from there-I have rulers, pencils, paper but somehow they never meet what is in my mind...I know some people are talented enough to sketch out something-even a rough draft-but if I have a picture in mind I try to find one close enough and just use my judgement..might not be the right or easiest way but it's my way....

it depends on the cake...sometimes i need a sketch just to make sure it works...and i like to colour it to make sure that the colours really look good together..

I do a sketch everytime. Cakes are so visual and each one is different. I have to have a picture of what I am about to do...not only for me, but for the client's approval.

Here is a cake sketch from 2005...and the real thing.

antonia - i can see why you do the sketch, you are a very talented artist and cake designer

Hi! This is an awesome website!

Can anyone help me with a step by step guide to make a Jojo and Goliath cake for my 3 year old, please?

I have not done any cake decorating, hence, I will have to learn from scratch.

Wow Antonia74, Great job! I guess I do my sketches in my mind. I never end up with exactly what I started out to do because once I see how it's going, I usually make a few changes here and there or add to it. Sometimes omit things that seem to busy. You did an awesome job of sticking to what was on your sketch too!

I usually at least try to have a rough idea--pencil sketch--when I (freehand) decorate a cake--just for family. I also figure out the lettering so I can TRY to center it. It's easier, though, to just off-center the message--more forgiving!

As for talent, I like to trace the original design! After all, "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"!!!

The only time I sketch is for the bride. It gives her a sense of security and something to approve. Most other cakes, I keep a general picture in my mind and alter as I see the need.

I wish I could sketch a cake. If I have a picture I can copy it . That is the same way that I sew costumes for my kids. I get a pattern then look at the picture and go from there.

I sketch and then don't follow it 100%. I don't know why--it just always comes out different than my original concept.

Helen,
Do you just use colored pencils for your sketch, or do you use something special?

PS-I think I've already told you a 100 times, but I love your website! And thanks again for the cookie tutorial...I don't think I can thank you enough. My cookies just weren't turning out but after reading your guide, I no longer have problems. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I usually do a sketch for bigger cakes, just to have a guideline for myself. Sometimes I get ideas in my head, and when I put them to paper I can see that it is too busy, or the colors don't look as good as I thought they would together. I color them w/colored pencils usually, but I've been known to use my kids' crayons on occasion too! LOL!!

I do schetches when planning. It gives me a reference. I also list what pans, ingredients, and stuff needed to complete the cake. It really doesnt have a to be perfect drawing since its more for your eyes anyway. I sketch everything! I have been drawing since I was a young child and I have been drawing sketches since I was a teen especially for help when rearranging a room. I find it easier to sketch a cake then to do it on a whim. I created several templates too on powerpoint with different designs. Regular cake (square, round, tier, and tiers with columns). I can adjust the sizes and add more/less tiers as necessary. I think it helps to have a picture of your idea. You can always change or adapt the real cake as needed.

(You're so welcome Cande! )


I have two standard templates that I use for cake consultations, so that we can "sketch" a quick picture right then and there. It's so useful to have a picture that clients can see and say "move that there" or "make this red" or "change this tier".

I'm so visual...I can't picture things exactly unless I'm doodling.

Here are my standard computer templates. (I just drew a basic 3-tier cake format in both round and square) At consultations, I just use coloured pencil crayons to draw in the detailing they'd like to have:

I put my ideas on paper. I'm a visual person also. I have ideas that come to me so I sketch it out. I'm not an artist but the sketches help. I can be so indecisive and take forever to do a cake, decide on colors, designs, etc., so it helps to alleviate some (not all, LOL!) of the stress. I think I have more sketches than cakes...I've got to get busy and see my visions come to life

Thanks Antonia for sharing your templates. I needed a square tiered one so I hope you don't mind if I use it.

Please DO feel free to print these out! Anyone is welcome to.

They are such an easier way to sketch out cakes, especially because they are just the standard 3 tiers we all use so much!

nice work antonia74...

I like the idea of having basic templates at your disposal.

When I get an idea, I have to sketch it out and then color it with pens, markers or colored pencils. At my age, it's fewer and farther between the times I can remember something without a rough sketch at the very least. Thank God I was a graphic artist at one time in my life. Though, I can't draw like I used to back in the day.

My problem is this, I'm such a woefully bad sketcher I'm afraid I will scare someone off with my drawings. I seem to write and draw better with icing, for some reason.

So, I just was asked to do a cake to resemble half dome. They are having a rock climbing bday party. Any idea's on that one? I guess I need to research what half dome looks like......

I guess I cheat - my sister is a graphic designer so If I need something sketched out I ask her to do it!! I likes some of you the responded earlier cannot sketch to save my life!!

Antonia your cakes are amazing!! Thanks for the templates they will come in handy for me for sure!!

Antonia, Thank You so much for your templates. The kindness and sincerity and caring on CC is fantastic. It has inspired me in my everyday life to try to practice kindness and patience . I can see how just the unintentional "wrong" words might have an impact on a person. It has helped me think about this too as I come into contact with people. So CC has become a teaching tool in many ways. That's it.

I have to do a sketch every single time! I always feel so much better if I know how everything is going to go together

I, too, need to thank you, Helen, for your cake sketch templates!! You've saved me a ton of frustration since you posted them... I can draw, ok...used to be really good at it, but got a little out of practice over the years of having kids,etc. LOL One thing I could never master was getting the basic shape/size of the cake itself anywhere near right or 'in scale'. They were always lopsided or the layers weren't right or symmetrical in height, etc. sooooo annoying that I would give up before I even got to the creative part of drawing the design!! LOL I usually only draw out the larger cakes, too....with all that area on a larger cake to work with, it really helps to draw it out first so you can get a better feel of what it will look like. It helps too to be able to see it all together...helps you figure out which elements of the design need to be done in what order, etc. So THANKS HELEN!!! You're a sanity saver!!

I've recently started sketching and love doing it.

Doug was posting sketches for us to see so I started doing it and must say, it helps a whole lot.

By the way, haven't seen Doug for awhile, anybody know where he is?

Helen, your cakes are wonderful as always. Love your whimsical cake and thanks so much for the help on the bows...I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.

You are all SO welcome! I love to share any hints or advice and believe me, on this site, I really learn as much as I share.


Fearlessbaker, your thoughtful comments are worded just beautifully. I'm quite touched.

Thank you Antonia74, your a lifesaver!! I've been trying to sketch some things out, but I can't go by my own sketches on whether or not the cake will look alright because I'm lousy at it lol, this is REALLY going to help and make a difference! Thank you again