In the latest installment of Creatively Speaking: Beyond the Binding, we glean heaps of self-publishing inspiration from chef Judd Servidio, whose career is as flavorful as his dishes. From flipping burgers at McDonald’s to crafting bespoke menus for the likes of John Paul and Eloise DeJoria, Judd’s journey is a tapestry of innovation and mastery in the kitchen. Let’s dive in!
As our conversation with Judd begins, we’re taken through a brief background of where Judd began and how he arrived where he is now. Listeners may be surprised to learn that his first culinary posting was at a McDonald’s! While his job at the fast food chain was short-lived, Judd, having identified the kitchen as his professional calling, achieved his ultimate goal of becoming a professional chef.
After sharing his culinary professional journey, Chef Judd wastes no time before sharing unmissable tidbits of wisdom, revealing the essence of his never-repeat-a-meal philosophy and the meticulous art of recipe recording that’s captured in his cookbooks. While you can find Chef Judd’s these days on his Salt and Vanilla site, his first blog and genesis of his self-publishing inspiration, Cook on Your Feet, is where he initially exemplified his spontaneous culinary spirit and shared his methodology for whipping up stunning plates from pantry essentials.
As our conversation shifts to the topic of capturing culinary creations on camera, Judd discusses the delicate dance of food presentation, where simplicity reigns supreme. Believe it or not, Judd shares that he is a fan of iPhone-captured food photography, utilizing natural light to breathe life into his images. Chef Judd also opens his pantry of secrets, offering a sneak peek into accommodating dietary preferences and the intricacies of menu selection for those who seek to inspire and nourish.
Rounding out our discussion, Chef Judd provides our audience with some self-publishing inspiration by taking us behind the scenes of his cookbook, Salt and Vanilla: A Cook’s Book of Edible Art With Stories, from the initial DIY attempts to the polished product made possible by collaborating with industry professionals. He candidly navigates the challenges of printing, distribution, and marketing without the crutch of a viral social media presence.
“It’s all about hustle. How much do you want to hustle? I’ve gotten on local news, I’ve gotten in magazines and articles, and I’ve done events in different cities and you’re doing that all without a publicist. You’re doing that all on your own.”
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- 0:00:00 | Chef Judd Servidio’s Introduction and Culinary Background
- 0:01:46 | From Personal Chef to Cookbook Author
- 0:05:16 | Culinary Industry Experience and Self-Publishing Inspiration
- 0:08:03 | Starting as a Private Chef
- 0:18:24 | Natural Light Food Photography Approach
- 0:32:19 | Choosing a Book Printer
- 0:44:37 | Challenges With Amazon Fulfillment
- 0:52:15 | Publishing Options and Book Awards
- 0:58:32 | Navigating the Relationship With Literary Agents
- 1:00:25 | Book Promotion and Social Media Strategies
Whether you’re simply a curious listener or you’re seeking self-publishing inspiration for your own journey, our conversation with Judd will be sure to satisfy. So grab your apron and a notepad, and prepare to be infused with the passion and practicality of a chef’s life well-lived. Judd’s culinary journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and perseverance, whether you’re ready to whip up a gourmet masterpiece or simply eager to explore new flavors in your own kitchen. Get cooking and let your culinary creativity soar!
Episode Resources:
Website: https://wellersmithdesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellersmithdesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leannawellersmith/
Chef Judd Servidio’s Cookbook: https://www.saltvanilla.com/products/new-salt-and-vanilla-cookbook-order-now
If you are curious about self-publishing and want to learn more about how we can help, check out our Self-Publishing Services.
Weller Smith Design is a Full-Service Boutique Design Agency that provides publishing, self-publishing, branding, web design, and strategy services. We pride ourselves in being the Boutique Agency of choice for Thought Leaders like you.
