We study extra in regards to the interactive card recreation and communicate to the creator, Amsterdam-based artist Doedelz.
BY EMILY JOY MENESES
FOR BARISTA MAGAZINE
Pictures courtesy of Naomi Doedelz
One of many hottest new merchandise on the Amsterdam Espresso Pageant in April wasn’t an espresso machine. It wasn’t even a grinder. It was, in truth, a deck of playing cards.
These weren’t simply any playing cards, although—these had been playing cards for espresso geeks. Particularly, they had been developed for latte artwork fanatics.
Good issues are likely to occur when artwork meets espresso, which is what occurred when artist Naomi Doedelz, who goes by “Doedelz,” labored as a barista between freelance gigs. As such, she began going to latte artwork throwdowns with pals, and that’s when the thought for the cardboard recreation, Throw It Down, hit.
“I’ve skilled many (latte artwork) throwdowns myself, (and) I noticed we regularly pour the identical set of patterns. So, to change it up, I began drawing out numerous patterns that may very well be poured from the fundamentals most of us are acquainted with,” Doedelz shared with Barista Journal. “The inventive model the playing cards carry comes from easy pen scribbles my latte artwork trainer would make, to assist me perceive the patterns I used to be pouring.”
That includes Doedelz’s personal art work, the deck of playing cards is designed to assist gamers develop their latte artwork expertise, both individually or in a bunch. The idea is straightforward: Decide a card and mimic the pour.
Doedelz, who labored in Amsterdam cafés for eight years, says that whereas the playing cards initially served as an academic instrument she used herself, the challenge started to develop after she was requested to create latte artwork illustrations for District Throwdowns, a collection of latte artwork competitions in and round Amsterdam.
“With (District Throwdowns), I had the chance to experiment and check out numerous approaches with the deck. Suggestions from the baristas who had been competing additionally helped me out so much,” she says. “It actually grew to become a deck of playing cards that was created by different passionate baristas, and I hope to cross that zeal on to others.”
Designed for All Talent Ranges
Doedelz emphasizes that Throw It Down is for novices and consultants alike. Whether or not you’re nonetheless practising your tulip or really feel able to strive your hand at pouring a phoenix, the sport has one thing for everybody. “As somebody who’s extra of a visible learner, for me, (issues) click on higher after I clearly see how a sample is poured,” Doedelz says. “That is additionally why I (included) on every card data on how the sample is poured.”
Whereas the sport is poised so as to add an additional degree of pleasure to latte artwork throwdowns, Doedelz notes that it will possibly make for a enjoyable, interactive expertise between baristas and café friends. “Let certainly one of your regulars pull a card that you simply then need to pour for them, or problem your colleague with a sample,” she says, including that the playing cards are a good way “to have some enjoyable behind the bar.”
Throw It Down is at the moment a starter deck comprising 9 playing cards, however Doedelz notes her plans to develop it right into a 25-card deck. “It’s been a sluggish course of, however everybody has been so supportive thus far,” she says. “And it nonetheless feels a little bit surreal because it’s coming nearer to turning into an precise product.”
”This actually grew to become a ardour challenge for me subsequent to working behind the bar,” she says, “and I hope to encourage others to maintain difficult themselves and to get impressed.”
Pre-Orders Open Quickly
Pre-orders will quickly be open for Throw It Down. To remain up to date, observe Doedelz on Instagram @cosmic.sipp.
This text initially appeared within the August + September 2025 challenge of Barista Journal. Learn extra of the difficulty on-line right here free of charge.
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