It’s great to recognise cake icons in the industry for their expertise and phenomenal designs. This month, we speak to Lindy Smith.
Lindy Smith of Lindy’s Cakes is a world renowned cake decorator and sugarcraft expert, having published a range of best-selling cake decorating book that inspire and teach worldwide cakers in the industry.
What have you learnt in your career that has moulded you into the icon you are today?
I have learnt many things. I’ve learnt it’s very important to be passionate about what I do and try to be the best I can be. I’ve learnt that to be successful in this industry, I need a multitude of skills, it’s not just about designing cakes. It’s about how to connect, present, plan and be adaptable. People learn about my work through images they see online, on video or in print. Images inspire and are key to enticing people to find out more. I have learnt the saying ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ holds true and since it is not always possible to use professionals, the time I have spent honing my photography and videography skills has been invaluable. Over the years, I have learnt that people skills and the ability to communicate are vital. Being able to write clearly and concisely is important, it is what my readers rely on when buying my books. I’ve also learnt that through writing my blog and using social media channels, communication that inspires and educates effectively often leads to exciting opportunities.
From experience, I’ve discovered that it’s important to allow myself time to think, plan and problem solve. For me, this involves walking my dog in the early morning whilst allowing my brain free rein. It works a treat and vastly improves my productivity!
Finally, I’ve learnt it’s important to adapt to change and be motivated to do so. When I first started writing my books, my aim and motivation was to help bring cake design up to date and into the 21st century. Now that most decorated cakes are of our time, my aim is to inspire and help give people the tools and skills to think outside the box and express themselves through their craft.
What is your one piece of advice that you would give to budding cake artists now?
Be patient and practice, practice, practice. Many of my new students think that, as if by magic, they will be able to create beautiful flawless cakes as soon as they have attended their first class!
Anything else you would like to add to your plans in 2018?
I am always looking for new cake adventures and travel excites and inspires me, so what I would like to add to my 2018 plans is a teaching or cake exhibition trip somewhere in the world where I can inspire and be inspired.