Interview with Vianina and Photos by Andreas Jakwerth for the Article “Good Women” in Wiener Magazine
20 pages for 7 women – WIENER meets in September with Susie Wolff, Ela Angerer, Hilde Dalik, Marina Hörmanseder, Anna Fenninger, Dorli Muhr, and Nina Simone Wilsmann.
A man should be handsome, smart, and blessed with a good dose of charm. These qualities are said to be highly valued in the world of women, especially when it comes to potential life partners. We can certainly understand this, as none of these three attributes are morally questionable. Without much thought, we would happily discover any of these qualities in ourselves. The truth, much to our regret, is not always so flattering: these delightful traits, honestly speaking, are an almost unattainable trifecta.
Hence, we immediately turn our attention to the world of women (after all, we don’t want to spoil our mood with less enlightening musings), where we can effortlessly find more than three attributes – and no, they are not physical advantages, although we do delight in them – that elicit our admiration. That’s why we decided to dedicate this issue of WIENER to “good women.” This might sound somewhat macho and possibly a bit condescending to some ears, but it is definitely not meant that way. It is simply a description of unparalleled clarity. In this edition, you will meet race car driver Susie Wolff, writer Ela Angerer, actress Hilde Dalik, designer Marina Hörmanseder, skier Anna Fenninger, wine expert Dorli Muhr, and graphic designer Nina Simone Wilsmann. Despite their great differences, they all share one thing: they are exceptionally good at what they do – they are great daughters of Austria.
Name: Nina Simone Wilsmann
Calling: Creative Design
What makes her a good woman: Passion and her award-winning special city maps. Also, a childlike curiosity combined with an unyielding will.
“My city maps are inspired by the perspective of a child, who cannot yet grasp the size of a city and can always discover something new.”
Nina Simone Wilsmann sits relaxed in a cozy chair in her light-filled, wood-dominated studio, and intrigues with her contrasts. From eyes framed by long lashes sparkles both mischief and childlike innocence. But then there is also this willpower, this strength, that almost leaps out at you when you look into her eyes. Here in the third district, the 36-year-old designer has found her headquarters. She fell in love with the studio at first sight, just as she did with Vienna, the current chosen home of the native German. “There are cities where you instantly feel at home.”
DISCOVERING THE INNER CHILD
Although she has lived in many cities (currently also spending weekends in Budapest), she isn’t great with directions. “Neither is my boyfriend, but he asks for directions.” Those navigating the streets with her city map might also need to ask for directions. Nina’s maps have nothing to do with conventional street maps. These, however, are not awarded design prizes either. Nina’s orientation aids are exemplary and colorful, lifting the viewer’s spirits. They seem to awaken our inner child. “The inner child lives this curiosity, this unspoiled joy. My city maps also live through this curious discovery.” The first city that the young woman, who has already worked from Mexico, captured on paper in 2007 was Vienna. By now, there are many cities, with more to come. The idea matured during her childhood: “As a child, I always traced maps with my finger. This understanding fascinated me.”
REDISCOVERED STYLE
The style of her plans has history: she developed it in school when, feeling "bored," she began to piece together small elements. "It wasn't anything concrete back then, but a few years ago, I wanted to draw a plan in that style." Today, these childhood doodles have not only evolved into an award-winning design work (winner of "100 Best Posters," silver at the "Joseph Binder Award") but also marked the beginning of Vianina: Nina's online shop where her plans are available for purchase. The demand is growing, and this success is no accident; it is closely linked to her intuition ("Women have a very good sense for things that happen non-verbally."), her determination, the clarity of her goals, and her courage to act. Even the career advisor who discouraged her after graduation couldn't deter the designer from her path. Everyone who has rediscovered their inner child in her city maps will be very pleased.
Author Lisa Versely and photographer Andreas Jakwerth visited Nina Simone Wilsmann in her studio and found not only her plans but also her to be genuinely impressive.