If you missed our contest but are still interested on how to free-pour latte art, check out some tips and tricks from all three of our winners below. We asked each one to share some advice for other aspiring latte artists- hear what they have to say:


Rob Hall of Shorewood, WI
Latte Art Contest Winner - Professional Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Cappuccino

Machine at home:
Astra Gourmet GS

Hobbies other than latte art:
Sailing his Catalina on Lake Michigan

When not creating latte art, he:
Works as a physician specializing in pathology.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
If you can manage to hook-up with someone who knows how to pour latte art take advantage of it, because hands-on learning is the best way to do it.

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Chris Thompson of Jericho, VT
Latte Art Contest Winner - Intermediate Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Café Mocha

Machines at home:
Astra Gourmet GS, Rancilio Rialto

Hobbies other than latte art:
Ice Hockey, Golf, Music, Coffee, Homebrewing, and Cooking

When not creating latte art, he:
Works in the Wafer Test area at IBM in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
Get a frothing pitcher with a good pointed spout. I got both my 20oz and 12oz from Whole Latte Love. Start out with milk that has a higher fat content. I wouldn’t go anything less than 2% when starting out. Watch as many videos as you can find, and just practice, practice. Sooner or later it will all come together. Most importantly have fun with it!

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Lisa Carton of Bennington, VT
Latte Art Contest Winner - Beginner Category

Favorite coffee drink:
Quasi Cappuccino

Machines at home:
Rancilio S27, Trosser, Mazzer Mini

Hobbies other than latte art:
Drummer, Bichon and Mini Dachshund owner and home-roasting coffee beans

When not creating latte art, she:
Works as a Psychotherapist.

Any advice for aspiring baristas?
Have fun and read as much as you can online. If it weren’t for the Internet I wouldn’t even know about home-roasting, finding good espresso or latte art!