Job Profile

Cake Artist

A cake artist uses their artistic and design skills to create bespoke, visually interesting cakes for occasions like weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

Average Salary (per year)

$23,000 - $37,000

Typical Hours (per week)

37.5 - 45

How to become a cake artist:

Many cake artists begin as hobbyist bakers and are self-taught.

Professional and informal courses are available in cooking and baking techniques, food safety, kitchen management, cake decoration technique, sugar craft and French patisserie.

Most professional bakers and pastry chefs combine a formal qualification with a hands on apprenticeship working in a commercial bakery. This is the best way to learn how a commercial kitchen operates and to learn cake artistry in a professional environment.

Day to day activities of a cake artist:

Your day to day activities might include:

Liaising with customers and responding to enquiries

Designing new cake ideas based on customer requests or your own research.

Costing your recipes out and managing inventory.

Managing production schedules and delivering cakes on time to your customers.

Baking and decorating cakes, cookies and cupcakes with your custom designs, frosting, messages and decorations.

Photographing and marketing your cake designs.

Maintaining a clean and hygienic working environment and keeping appropriate food safety records.

Working environment of a cake artist:

You will work from a home or commercial kitchen or bakery to produce cakes.

Some cakes may require delivery and setting up at an event location.

Professional Bodies

Association of Pastry Chefs

American Baking Association

Federation of Bakers (UK)

Australian National Cake Decorators Association

Retail Bakers of America

Skills required for a cake artist:

Attention to detail – professional cake decorators are required to be able to replicate cake designs accurately and with precision.

You will need excellent time management skills to manage production and meet deadlines.

Creativity is essential for a professional cake artist. You must be able to turn edible ingredients into incredible cakes that meet your clients brief.

An ability to work independently is a must, most cake artists work alone as freelancers.

Good communication skills are essential when working with your clients to achieve the desired outcome. You may also be required to work with events planners or other businesses to provide cakes for weddings, birthdays and corporate events.

You will require a good understanding and certification in food safety and food handling.