We be taught extra in regards to the interactive card recreation and converse to the creator, Amsterdam-based artist Doedelz.

BY EMILY JOY MENESES
FOR BARISTA MAGAZINE

Photographs 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 reality, 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 buddies, 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 varied patterns that might be poured from the fundamentals most of us are accustomed to,” Doedelz shared with Barista Journal. “The creative type the playing cards carry comes from easy pen scribbles my latte artwork instructor would make, to assist me perceive the patterns I used to be pouring.”

That includes Doedelz’s personal paintings, the deck of playing cards is designed to assist gamers develop their latte artwork abilities, 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 software she used herself, the undertaking started to broaden after she was requested to create latte artwork illustrations for District Throwdowns, a sequence of latte artwork competitions in and round Amsterdam.

“With (District Throwdowns), I had the chance to experiment and check out varied approaches with the deck. Suggestions from the baristas who had been competing additionally helped me out quite a bit,” she says. “It actually turned a deck of playing cards that was created by different passionate baristas, and I hope to move that zeal on to others.”

Designed for All Talent Ranges

Doedelz emphasizes that Throw It Down is for novices and specialists alike. Whether or not you’re nonetheless working towards 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 may well make for a enjoyable, interactive expertise between baristas and café company. “Let certainly one of your regulars pull a card that you just then need to pour for them, or problem your colleague with a sample,” she says, including that the playing cards are an effective 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 broaden it right into a 25-card deck. “It’s been a sluggish course of, however everybody has been so supportive up to now,” she says. “And it nonetheless feels somewhat surreal because it’s coming nearer to turning into an precise product.”

”This actually turned a ardour undertaking 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 concern of Barista Journal. Learn extra of the problem on-line right here without spending a dime.

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