Bikes, Art & Good Mates: Meet Nick Hills
A long-time friend of Yakima, Tasmanian illustrator Nick Hills is bringing his own brand of wild to Sea Otter Australia 2026.
But our connection goes back well before the artwork.
It's a small world, especially when bikes are involved.
Long before Nick was creating illustrations for Yakima, he was riding BMX with Josh, our Australian Product Manager. Different careers, plenty of years, and a few collaborations later, bikes are still bringing them together.
These days, you might know Nick through Hills Draws. Based in Hobart, he creates bold, detailed illustrations packed with wildlife, movement, and mischief. Look a little closer and you'll find the things that have shaped his life: bikes, the outdoors, cartoons, and a healthy dose of punk and metal.
We've worked with Nick on several projects now. We love his artwork, of course, but we're just as stoked on the person behind it.
Making Room for What Matters
Before illustration became his full-time job, Nick worked as a tradie.
Drawing and riding were already a big part of his life, and eventually he took the leap, turning something he loved into the work he does every day.
There's plenty to get behind in that. Finding your own direction. Giving it a proper go. Building a life around the things that matter to you.
For Nick, those things are closely connected.
Time spent mountain biking, hiking, and camping around Tasmania feeds directly into the work he creates back in the studio. His characters might be larger than life, but their roots are close to home.
The Bloke Behind the Drawings
We teamed up with Nick and filmmaker Jasper da Seymour to help tell his story.
The film gives you a chance to meet the person behind Hills Draws, beyond the finished illustrations.
Settle in and get to know Nick.
Beyond The Hills with Nick Hills (4K)
Beyond The Hills - with Nick Hills - 4k
Film created in collaboration with Nick Hills, Jasper da Seymour, and Yakima.
A Little Wild. A Lot of Nick.
One of our favourite things about working with Nick is seeing what he brings to an idea.
His illustrations have their own personality: expressive characters, unexpected details, and plenty of humour. There's always something new to spot.
That's why we've teamed up again for Sea Otter Australia 2026, bringing Nick together with Yakima ambassadors Sian A'Hern, Jack Moir, and Ellie Smith to create something a little different.
Working with each rider, Nick has captured their personalities, quirks, and interests through their own illustrated spirit animals, bringing them together in one wild Sea Otter scene.
And, as you'd expect from Nick, there's a story behind every detail.
“The idea was to have the Yakima crew road-tripping to Sea Otter to Take It Easy with a yak and a sea otter, of course!
They've set up camp by the surf, and even though it's raining, everyone's having a blast around the fire, tucked under the awning.
I worked with Sian, Ellie and Jack to bring their spirit animals to life, sneaking in little details that reflect each of their personalities.
Sian's got her camera, coffee and sunnies, plus a cheeky Boost logo on her beanie. Ellie's got her cuppa, tattoos, a mash-up of her dancing leotard and race jersey, and a new piece of jewellery on that ring finger. And Jack? He's hanging out in a smashed TV-turned-fish tank with his surfboard!
Even the Yakima logo becomes part of the landscape, illustrated as a rocky cliff face with the campsite sitting on top."
It's all about those little details, bringing everyone's personalities together and capturing that laid-back Yakima spirit.
Can you spot all the little details? Nick's Sea Otter illustration brings our Yakima ambassadors and their spirit animals together for one very wild camping trip.
Coming along to Sea Otter? Take a closer look at Nick's work at the Yakima stand, get a signed poster, stickers, some free merch and even get into the shot with a photo booth opportunity.
See What's On at Sea Otter
Your turn to add Some Colour
We're sharing a little of the fun to take home, too.
Download Nick's colouring sheet, grab your pencils and make an afternoon of it. For the kids, the grown-ups or anyone who feels like slowing down for a bit.
Original illustration by Nick Hills / Hills Draws. Shared for personal colouring use.
Get Behind Nick
We're proud to work with an Australian artist whose love of bikes and the outdoors comes through in everything he creates.
Explore more of Nick's work at Hills Draws.
Good mates. Doing what they love.
Take It Easy.
