Meet Anika Leung | Founder & Artist of Casa Muze

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anika Leung and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anika, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve always loved painting. In fact, I was doing personal commissions for about 6 years during my studies prior to launching Casa Muze. Once I graduated, it presented as the perfect time to take a risk outside of my field (Biomed.) and start my own business. I figured with my passion and experience in the art world, it only made sense to start and art brand.

There were a few things I immediately knew it had to encompass before I even thought of the name. Knowing how expensive custom modern art can be (justifiably so), I wanted to offer a selection of prints that were on the affordable side, so more art lovers of this style could have access to unique pieces to decorate their homes – rather than having to opt for something that feels generic or overly reproduced. Although affordable, I still wanted my pieces to be of high quality, so that they would give the illusion of being the original when framed.

Secondly, I knew I wanted the art to be a genuine reflection of styles I love. Throughout the years of creating custom pieces, I was able to experiment with multiple painting techniques. I also painted in an array of styles and subject matters. For my personal brand, I wanted to focus only on the styles that I had an affinity to paint in, meaning it would be the first time I’ve truly created art for myself, to share with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Most of my art falls on the abstract side. I love when art leaves a bit or all to the imagination, so the piece can be interpreted differently by everyone. I love how abstract art can render distinct and unique feelings for viewers, which can sometimes feel more meaningful, expressive, or perhaps nostalgic than simply a realistic image.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is how realistic the prints look when framed. I love the tangibility of original artwork, especially when there is texture (I love painting with palette knives), but prints make the art more accessible. Thus, when comparing some of the cityscape prints for example (i.e. The Six) to the originals, I’m so content with how well the texture, colours and lighting are captured so that it gives the illusion of real paint.

I was able to accomplish this by a few factors – making sure the resolution of the photos was high quality, but also ensuring the prints themselves were giclée prints on archival paper. Additionally, I decided on a matte finish, to prevent any light that hits the paper to be reflected, which would highlight the smooth paper surface of the print, in turn drawing away from the illusion of texture.

Aside from creating the artwork, the business side of starting an e-commerce shop was completely new territory for me. I did a lot of research to learn the basics of SEO, setting up accounts (financial, marketing, etc.), building the website and managing socials. It really is an on-going learning experience, however, there are so many tools available! YouTube and even support staff from Shopify have been very valuable to help me navigate through new terminology and larger obstacles.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If one of my friends from outside the city were to visit Ottawa for the week, these are a few locations or activities I would make sure to hit during our time together!

Warm weather (spring – summer)
– paddle boarding/kayak rental on Dow’s lake
– have a drink at Andaz rooftop during the sunset for a view over the Byward market
– go for drinks on Clarence or Elgin
– eat in little Italy
– have a picnic at the Arboretum
– walk around Major Hill park, behind Chateau Laurier to overlook the water, towards Parliament
– go for breakfast in Westboro
– visit a thrift or artisan market in Lansdowne

Cold weather (fall – winter)
– walk/hike through Gatineau hills during the fall under the leaves changing colour
– visit the NAG
– skate on the canal or take a day trip to Camp Fortune to ski
– visit a themed pop up Christmas bar
– go for Japanese BBQ in the Byward market
– go to one of the event nights at Drip House in China Town then go for late night pho afterwards
– eat shawarma or poutine from 3 Brothers

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have my family and friends to thank for the success of Casa Muze. Right from seeing the art in progress and the behind the scenes during prelaunch, their encouragement is really what gave me the confidence to continue with my efforts of launching a small business. Since almost all of my art prior had been custom, it felt pretty vulnerable to create pieces, along with a whole brand that was a reflection of my style. Upon seeing everything in the works, my family and friends generously offered feedback, mentorship and support which carried me to launch day.

To this day, they show their continuous support through sharing my brand via word of mouth and online, showing up to my events, and purchasing my art. It truly means the world to have so many people in my corner during the whole process and I will be forever grateful for the love they have shown me.

I also want to thank Drip House, for giving me the opportunity to have my first ever solo show for Casa Muze not long after it launched. The 3-month exhibit was a huge milestone for my brand, which displayed original pieces from the different collections I had created, and was accompanied by opening and closing events. It not only helped expand my clientele and showcased my work, but also led to many other opportunities to host events at other locations.

Lastly, I would like to thank CLV Group, for graciously having me as a vendor at multiple of their own events, and even having me host solo workshops as well.

Website: https://casamuze.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casamuze/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASAMUZE/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@casamuze https://www.pinterest.ca/casamuze/