Latte Art as Free Therapy
Latte art is not required to be a good barista. But it is a fantastic way to practice the fundamentals, and it makes service feel a little more human. If the milk is right, the pour is easy. If the milk is wrong, your tulip becomes modern art in a way you did not consent to.
The workflow is simple: stretch a little, texture a lot, then swirl until it looks like wet paint. Stop steaming when the pitcher is hot but not painful. Overheated milk tastes flat. Underheated milk tastes like you gave up. We are aiming for sweet, not loud.
Your first pours will be wobbly. That is normal. The goal is repeatable movement, not instant perfection. I have poured hearts that looked like potatoes and still got a genuine smile. People do not need your foam to be flawless. They need you to be kind and the drink to taste great.
If you want a low-stakes reset, practice a few pours before open. It slows your breathing and warms up your hands. Call it therapy, call it training, call it “please let this rush be gentle.” Either way, it works.