Latte Art? Really?

Yes. Really. Latte art. Those little pictures make your average barista giddy. Its a beautiful illustration that shows the barista’s skill within, dedication to, and understanding of his or her profession. It has a tendency to magnify who is the most accomplished. It also can give some bragging rights and credibility when it is performed with precision. It brings encouragement and builds community among like minded baristas because it shows that you are passionate and actually care about what is often viewed as “just a job.”

I have heard things like… “Making latte art shows that you have properly pulled your shot and steamed your milk. It shows that you know the dynamics at play.” I have also heard things like… “Latte art is cool I guess, but I am more be concerned with what is going into each cup.”

My allegiance lies with the first opinion, and my opinion on the second is that additional time could be spent forming it.

When I became a barista back in April of 2009, I thought latte art was so cool. All I wanted to do was get on that machine, steam that milk, and drop some mad art. Initially this is what my mindset was, and my growth as barista showed it. My milk steaming sucked… as did my shot pulling… as did my bar hygiene. All I wanted to do was make art, but as I soon found, its not that simple.

I think fear of this kind of barista drives that second opinion mentioned above.

Art is cool, but what about everything else? I couldn’t agree more, but art will come naturally when all that other stuff is in-line. Its the fruit of your labor and the proof of your love. As a barista, I have a lot of affection that pours along with that textured heart or rosetta. Those “cute little pictures” symbolize me giving my dedication and passion away to my customer. Sharing a big part of myself with others.

My latte art is the culmination of my dedication. The hours I have spent learning the dynamics of milk so as to steam it properly. The time I have invested in understanding how ground espresso responds to the demands I place on it. Increasing my understanding of dosing, leveling, and packing a shot and then taking that knowledge and making them a consistent practice.

All of this is expressed through my pours.