For some, latte art is everything. For others, it is just a bonus on top of a good brew.
As Sam, Coffee School’s Coffee Executive Officer, puts it best:
“This is a topic that's not close to my heart. Latte art. What the hell is latte art? People often feel that it's necessary to get a job, considering it an important skill. That's okay if you want to be the latte art champion of the world, but I just want a coffee that tastes good.”
You can watch Sam say it himself here:
For Sam, great coffee begins with care and consistency. “If you give me something that puts a smile on my face, that's latte art. I don't care what it is, as long as you put effort into it.”
That is the point of latte art. Not perfection or competition, but connection. A good coffee is one that is made with focus, effort and a genuine desire to make someone’s day.
More Than Just Patterns
Latte art has become a defining part of café culture. Swans, rosettas, hearts and tulips have turned milk and coffee into an art form. But the skill behind them is not just for show.
As Sam explains, latte art is really about understanding the process that creates consistency in every cup. Before you can pour a pattern, you need to master the basics. Texturing milk, controlling your pour and understanding how the crema works with the milk all matter.
“As a student, you need to have a few things that are part of your repertoire, and one of those is the ability to see that the coffee looks good, the milk is steamed correctly, and then you practise the pouring. That is where the latte art component comes in.”
It Starts With Milk
You cannot pour great latte art with bad milk. The key is smooth, silky microfoam that blends seamlessly with espresso.
In class, students learn how to steam milk correctly, find the right temperature and develop control. The process is not just about following steps. It is about repetition, precision and building confidence.
Sam puts it simply: “Practising the milk is all important. That is what we do in our classes. We practise the milk. And when you get it right, that creates opportunity, opportunity for you to then create that pattern that you so desire.”
When you understand the milk, the pour becomes instinctive. From there, every swirl or heart is another way to express care in your craft.
A Skill That Opens Doors
Latte art might not make you the champion of the world, but it can help you stand out in the café industry. Customers notice when a barista pays attention to detail, and employers value someone who can combine speed, skill and presentation.
And as Sam reminds students, latte art is about more than the pattern itself. It is about the effort that goes into creating a great coffee. One that looks good, tastes great and keeps people coming back.
Learn the Art of the Pour
If you are ready to learn the techniques behind latte art, from texturing milk to mastering the pour, our Barista and Coffee Art Course is the perfect place to start.
Join us in barista course Sydney or barista course Melbourne and discover the craft behind every great cup.
If you have questions or want help choosing the right barista training course, you can also contact us directly.
