Switching Teams: Interior Designers turned Cake Decorators

When I was first introduced to Craftsy a year ago, I was naturally interested in the cake decorating class offering. However, I didn't jump at taking any classes right away. I would occassionally check the website, adding classes to my Wishlist; hoping and dreaming but never enrolling. As I looked through my Wishlist one day, I noticed that I had a couple of classes listed that were taught by the same instructor: Jessica Harris. I instantly wanted to learn more about her and her journey as a cake decorator. Skimming through her blog (available here), I read that she used to be a professional interior designer. I stopped there. I instantly related to Jessica in that moment! I, too, am an interior designer by profession, but an avid cake decorator at heart. I didn't spend too much time dwelling on the thought, but this knowledge stuck with me. I eventually enrolled in two of her Craftsy classes: "Clean and Simple Cake Design" and "Simply Modern Cake Design."

Several months later, I was browsing Crafty's cake decorating classes again, and a similar thing happened. This time I had enrolled in Stevi Auble's "Delicate Wafer-Paper Cakes" class, when I heard her mention her background in interior design shortly after the video had begun. Again, I instantly related to Stevi in that moment! Since that time, I've wanted to write about the similarities between the two disciplines and why it's more likely to "switch teams" so to speak.

I have many theories. The obvious similarity is that both interior design and cake decorating involve a high level of creativity and attention to detail. The principles and elements of design such as proportion, color, pattern, and texture come into play with both disciplines. Like creating plans and sections for commercial and residential design projects, a cake decorator must also understand how to assemble and apply creative elements to a cake.

There are a few things that stick out in my mind as completely opposite between the two. First, there's the issue of time. We all work with deadlines, but it can take months (and sometimes even years) for a designed interior space to come to fruition. On the other hand, creating a cake can take a few days, creating that instant gratification that some interior designers crave in their workaday lives. The quick timeline of cake decorating also makes it an easy pasttime to tackle on weekends and evenings. With the input of the client, the cake decorator usually works alone. While this is the case in cake decorating (and can be true of small interior design projects), most interior design projects require the assistance of consultants and other designers.

In both cases, the time and effort put into the creation of a well-designed interior space or beautiful and delicious cake can be undervalued by the average person.

I don't plan on becoming a professional cake decorator just yet. I'm not sure if that's a leap I'm willing to take, but I certaintly applaud Jessica and Stevi for their bravery! They both are extremely talented and inspirational to me. Honestly, I just love making cakes for my family and friends and seeing the look on their faces as I deliver it to them. I'll be content with that!