2016 Dutch Latte Art - The Finalists - Maryse van der Hak

Early 2016 seven gifted latte art pouring baristas will fight for the ticket to Shanghai, where the World Championship will take place. Who are the baristas that want to represent the Netherlands?  Last year we met Maryse. She is back this year. Let's get to know her a little better...

Photo by Vinni Zwaan @WetTheFilter blog

Where can people find you?

I'm a freelance barista.


What figures did you pour for the qualifying rounds?

I poured a rose with two swans, and an Indian smoking a pipe.

How did you prepare?

Unfortunately I did not have a lot of time to prepare, because of work.  I spent a lot of time just developing the patterns. I did not feel that comfortable in the pre-rounds, so i definitely need more training for the finals.

Who inspires you when deciding what figures to pour?

Most of the time I find inspiration within myself. I often show the figures to my friends, parents and colleagues to get their opinions and to decide if it's good enough.

How long does it take to learn a new figure?

It depends on the difficulty, but most of the time I first make a plan in my mind on how to make it and after a few pours it usually works.

And how do you master a new figure?

Practise, practise, practise! Keep pouring till it works out, try to analyse why some figures do not work and then try again.

How are you going to make sure you win the National competition?

It's all in the preparation.

If you could change the Latte Art Championship format, what would you change?

I would probably give every competitor two extra minutes. Time is always a struggle.

Anything you would like to add?

Let's make some Art!