Whether you are a hobby cookie decorator or a business owner, the decision to invest in a projector for cookie decorating is a big one! However, it’s definitely the step you need to take in order to bring your cookies to the next level. I’ll admit, like many cookiers, I held off for a long time since it was an investment. But once you make the leap, you wish you would’ve done it sooner. It truly is a game changer in the lettering, fonts and designs it open up! It’s also a common response when I ask our Featured Bakers, “what is one product you can’t live without?” With so many questions around if it’s worth it for you, let’s dive into the details!
Do You Need a Projector for Cookie Decorating?
If you are a hobby decorator, I’d probably have a harder time making this investment, if you’re just making simple cookies for family or friends. However, if you’re the kind of hobby decorator who also loves the craft, art and wants to develop your skills, you’d love a projector. I love just playing with different fonts, logos and designs simply because a project makes it so easy! It literally opens a whole world of new possibilities that I could never attempt without it.
If you own a cookie business, honestly, your designs are going to be very limited without a projector for decorating cookies. Don’t get me wrong, you can absolutely make beautiful cookies, but as your business grows, your skills and designs need to as well. You’re not going to want to turn away order requests because you don’t have the tools you need. I basically did not ever make any cookies with lettering until we had a projector. And these days, people want custom designs, commonly with lettering.
The other common purpose cookiers use a projector for is making character cookies. Personally, I rarely make character cookies. but for some cookiers, it’s a big part of their business. And even though I don’t make a lot of character cookies, I like knowing that I have the tools I need if I want/need to!
How About Some Examples?
Here are a couple straightforward examples of lettering I would never attempt without my projector. And I adore all of the fun font options at dafont.com to really give your cookies your personal style! This USA cookie used a font from Dafont. First, I’m including the literal font photo I used from Dafont with my projector, along with photos of the finished cookie. This way, you can see how you can truly replicate fonts using your projector.
Next, I used a snapshot of my logo, since I LOVE that font as well and have never made a cookie of it! Here is the logo projected onto my cookie along with the finished product.
If you’d like to see additional examples of STUNNING work aided by a projector, I encourage you to visit SugarGal’s Insta page HERE. Liza was one of our April Featured Bakers and one of many who swears by her projector. I can’t get over the precision and perfection of her lettering and designs. I always LOVE seeing her work, it is simply immaculate!
The Projector I LOVE (as well as many other cookiers)
When I had decided I was ready for a projector, I knew I wanted to buy this item ONCE and that it would last for years. I did a lot of research because I also wanted one that not only worked well but was EASY to use. You see, I have a VERY short fuse when it comes to technology (and it not cooperating) and the last thing I need is something to light that fuse. I also didn’t want to deal with a bunch of cords. I’m thrilled to report that I LOVE my projector and HIGHLY recommend it to others. It’s also arguably the most popular projector used by other decorators.
The Kodak Luma 150 Ultra Mini Pocket Pico Projector is my trusty little buddy that opens up my world to endless designs. A few things I love most? When charged periodically with the cord that is included, it is completely wireless. I hear and read about other cookiers needing different cords and cables and am so thankful I don’t have to think about that. It’s also so incredibly easy to use! I literally had this baby up and projecting within a few minutes of opening it. You literally turn it on, connect it to your wifi and mirror the image from your phone and you’re projecting and decorating. The only thing that would make this product perfect, is if there was a battery level indicator. But to ensure it’s always ready to work, I charge it after I use it, that way I know it’s always ready.
What About a Projector Stand?
Good question! Once again, I’m all about buying what will work best for me and not having to buy again/upgrade later. After a lot of research, I opted for the Arkon stand and I could not be happier. I own a couple other gooseneck phone stands and I never use them anymore. Once you have a great stand, like the Arkon, it meets all the needs. Here is a photo of my stand with my Kodak Luma projector setup. Honestly, I just keep my projector in my stand 99% of the time. It’s sturdy, yet light enough to easily move around.
Summary
I hope you found this post all about a projector for cookie decorating to be helpful! I get giddy taking out my projector and creating exciting new designs! It definitely takes your cookies to a whole new level!
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