I've been using a very basic espresso machine called an Artie. Not much in the way of steam power and I have not felt like I have been able to steam my milk properly, only rarely getting decent latte art.

A few days ago I found a La Pavoni Club Combo for $7 and bought it. It works. Best of all the steam wand has a commercial style valve on it. It is much much easier to properly froth milk now. I am finally seeing some latte art again.

The problem I run into with latte art is that I don't start to see much of the while foam for making art in the crema until the cup is really full. Using a home roasted bean. Mazzer Mini E dosserless. Pulling into started cap size cups. (5.5-6 ounce).

Jamie
p.s. I have been roasting with about 5% robusta added, it adds a lot of crema to my shots.

While I'm not certain if crema affects the latte art, perhaps if the coffee is too fresh that might cause a problem. Also more likely is that your spout of the pitcher is too far away from the shot. Tilt the pitcher more so that it the spout can meet the shot, just like it is when you finish pouring.