Paul Daviz author page

Paul Daviz biography

Paul Daviz was a British illustrator whose work appeared in children’s books, advertising and publishing. Originally from Blackburn, Lancashire, he studied graphic design and worked as a storyboard artist on television commercials, animation, packaging and print campaigns. He joined the illustration agency Garden Studio, later known as IllustrationX, in 1984.

Daviz developed a distinctive illustration style using bold shapes, sweeping lines, strong colours and textured backgrounds. His artistic influences included Soviet matchbox covers, 1970s cinema advertising and MAD magazine. His commercial clients included HarperCollins, The Daily Telegraph, BMW, Ravensburger and Royal Mail.

His children’s publishing work included My First Dinosaur Atlas by Penny Arlon, My First Space Atlas by Jane Wilsher and My First Oceans Atlas by Catherine Ard, published by Weldon Owen Children’s Books. He also illustrated The Race to Space by Clive Gifford and Amazing Animals by Sabrina M. Weiss.

In 2022, Smith Street Books published Bowie for Babies, a board book illustrated by Daviz introducing young children to David Bowie’s music and characters, including Ziggy Stardust and Major Tom.

Daviz illustrated Quantum! The Strange Science of the Smallest Stuff in the Universe by Christopher Edge, published by Walker Books in September 2024. The illustrated nonfiction book introduces children to quantum physics through the perspective of a quark, exploring subjects including the Big Bang, stars, gravity and black holes. It was shortlisted for the 2025 ALCS Educational Writers’ Award, with the shortlist announced in January 2026.