Reigning ASCA Australian Latte Art Champion Amy Zhang shares a refined take on her Toy Story Slinky Dog design with a little more detail, and a lot more character.
As you may well know by now, my favourite film of all time is Toy Story. Today I would like to share one of my original design patterns, Slinky Dog, from the film. This pattern is an update of the Slinky Dog design I shared in the 2022 ASCA Norther Region Latte Art Championship. I created this pattern with simple and fun tips, and I love it a lot.
Slinky Dog or simply known as “Slinky” or “Slink” by the other characters, is one of the main toys in the film. He’s Woody’s sidekick and willing to go to great lengths to help his toy friends. I resonate with his friendly, kind, and helpful attitude, because I love to help others, and I want to share this simple happiness through my latte art.
To perfect this design yourself, all you need is a basic understanding of latte art techniques and how your elements will interact with each other in the cup. This is a fairly easy design to master and makes it all the more worthwhile when you do.
Finally, I hope this design brings good fortune in the year ahead to you, as well as myself, as I prepare for the World Latte Art Championship, taking place in Taipei, Taiwan from 17 to 20 November 2023.
So, slink away from your barista duties and let me show you how to pour Slinky Dog.
This article appears in the April 2023 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
Amy Zhang’s Slinky Dog
Step 1
Starting with the cup handle at two o‘clock, pour one curved rosetta with 10 leaves at the bottom of the cup to create the lawn Slinky Dog is standing on.
Step 2
In line with the cup handle, pour one curved rosetta with six leaves to make Slinky Dog’s body. Then turn the cup handle to six o’clock and pour another short curved rosetta with four leaves at the end of the body to make Slinky Dog’s tail.
Step 3
Turn the cup handle back to two o’clock, then pour the last short rosetta with four leaves to make a hat.
Step 4
After drawing the four rosettas, drag a line from the middle of the body to the tail, creating the back foot. Using the same movement, drag another line back through the body and keep dragging to create the front foot.
Step 5
Without lifting the milk jug, continue pouring back up the body to create the neck, ear, face, and mouth.
Step 6
Drop a dot of milk froth and enlarge it on top of the hat.
Step 7
Then raise the milk jug and drop three small dots to create the play balls.
Step 8
Finish your design with any extra play balls and watch Slinky Dog bound towards you to share its toy with you.
