About Nick Williams
Nick Williams, born in England, is an artist, designer, and author currently based in Sussex. Working across diverse mediums, including watercolor, ink, and acrylics on wood panels and canvas, he is best known for his imaginative portraits inspired by historical jeanswear and Western heritage. His work reflects a deep connection to vintage denim culture and its popular cultural significance.
Williams' artistic practice is characterized by his ability to weave fashion history with contemporary art. His portraits often feature figures adorned in iconic denim pieces such as Levi’s Jacket, Lee’s Storm Rider, and Wrangler shirts, bringing to life the enduring appeal of jeanswear. Among his notable projects is the book Denim Branded, a collaborative book with his wife, Jenny, celebrating the history of jeanswear branding.
Nick Williams' work has been featured in exhibitions in London, including solo and group shows at venues such as Paul Smith and Chelsea Town Hall in London. His career has also included notable stints in New York’s downtown art scene, where his works were displayed in East Village cafés and restaurants. Through his art, Williams continues to bridge the worlds of denim, art, and pop cultural history.
Nick Williams, artist, designer, and author of Denim Branded, began his creative journey studying textile design on the south coast of England. While at art school Nick developed a passion for vintage and 1950s denim, deeply influenced by films like The Outsiders and Rumble Fish, as well as by bands such as The Clash and The Smiths. Denim and jeanswear were at the heart of pop culture during this time, sparking an obsession that would define much of his artistic and professional career.
Deadline magazine Tank Girl cover, collaboration Nick Williams & Jamie Hewlett
During his time at art school, Nick collaborated with notable contemporaries, including comic artist Jamie Hewlett. Together, they created a Deadline magazine cover featuring Jamie's iconic Tank Girl character. After graduating, Nick spent several years in London working with renowned retailers such as Paul Smith, Jones of Covent Garden, and Midas Kings Road. He designed window displays, branding, and point-of-sale materials, including distinctive shop bag designs.
limited-edition prints for Art Image
Hot Graphics magazine
As an illustrator, Nick’s work gained recognition, appearing in Hot Graphics Magazine and on Channel 4. He also created limited-edition prints for Art Image and exhibited at various London venues, including the Blenheim Gallery group show in Notting Hill, solo show at Beaumonde on Lexington Street in Soho, and a group show at Chelsea Town Hall on the King’s Road.
Window instlation Paul Smith, Covent Garden London
Illustration for Midas, Kings Road , London
Window instlation for Jones of Covent Garden , London
Nick’s career took him to New York, where he worked as a graphic and textile designer for several studios and in-house for major U.S. brands. During his seven-year stint, he was immersed in the downtown art scene, continuing to paint and exhibit his work in cafés and restaurants in New York’s East Village.
Upon returning to Europe, Nick joined Levi Strauss & Co. as a graphic designer, where he absorbed the rich heritage of denim. At Levi’s, he meticulously recreated original artwork for vintage reproduction items, further fueling his passion for denim branding. This dedication culminated in Denim Branded, a collaborative book project with his wife, Jenny. The book celebrates the history of jeanswear, offering insights gleaned from visits to Levi Strauss & Co., Lee Jeans in Kansas City, and Wrangler in Greensboro, North Carolina.
New York’s East Village exhibit, Avenue A
Artwork for Levi’s Vintage Clothing
DENIM BRANDED Published 2019
‘ Type II Jacket ‘ ink and acrylic on paper, 2024
Today, Nick has returned his focus to art, merging his love for denim and painting. He has embarked on a series of imaginative portraits featuring characters wearing iconic pieces of historical jeanswear, such as Levi’s Type II Jacket, Lee’s Storm Rider, and classic Wrangler shirts. These works highlight Nick’s passion for historical denim, his mastery of color, and his expertise with diverse mediums, including watercolor, ink, acrylics on wood panels and canvas.
Nick Williams continues to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and history, creating works that honor the timeless appeal of denim and its cultural significance.