Appia
Welcome to Appia!
I’m Ilenia Martini, an Italian creative multi-hyphenate based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Professionally some know me as the former Creative Director of the global multidisciplinary design practice Nichetto Studio. With ten years of expertise in the field of design communication and interior, crafting, enhancing, and cultivating brands, I conceive concepts and trace industry trends, interact with clients, and blend artistic expertise with strategic acumen playing a vital part in defining brand identities influencing market perception.
Others know me as the Editor at Large for Design and Communication at Scandinavian MIND, a leading Scandinavian magazine that explores the confluence of lifestyle and technology. Among my works is an interview with Teenage Engineering's founder, Jesper Kouthoofd, which has become the magazine's most widely read piece to date.
Informally, you’ll find me @ilemartini on Instagram, where I share personal insights and anecdotes about my life, the places I've lived in and the travels I often embark on, the books I read, and the reflections that arise along the way.
Even more casually, if I am not reading about design, business, and well-being, or listening to podcasts on the same topics, you can find me here on Appia which is the result of my own thoughts, a creative outlet, a light-hearted online space (or just another newsletter) where I can share a few words on topics that pique my interest.
What does Appia mean?
The Appian Way (Latin and Italian: Via Appia, pronounced /ap.pja/) is one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic. It connected Rome to Brindisi, in southeast Italy. Its importance is indicated by its common name, recorded by Statius, ‘Appia longarum... regina viarum’ (“the Appian Way, the queen of the long roads”). Via Appia is still partially intact today, 2300 years after the first stretch was laid.
What to expect from Appia?
Like with any respectable creative pursuit, the path toward creative fulfillment is rarely a straight line just like the winding Via Appia. Drawing inspiration from the diverse and non-linear lives of international creatives I've crossed paths with during my decade-long career, my goal is to write essays that weave together the subjects I'm passionate about through personal anecdotes, cultural observations, and engaging conversations with fellow creatives. I aspire to see a connection between these dots and uncover new insights into myself and my surroundings with the hope of sparking similar discoveries in my readers.
