Daniel Gray-Barnett likes to think of himself as an illustrator and author who was put on this planet to tell a few stories before he turns into a grumpy old man. With expressive and lively illustrations, Daniel creates pieces for editorials, books, ad campaigns and sometimes animations. He is known for his children’s picture book Grandma Z, and collaborations with Penguin Random House, notably on the book Dr Boogaloo and the Girl Who Lost Her Laughter.

Based in Tasmania, Daniel studied medical science at the University of Sydney; having never studied illustration or fine arts, he taught himself how to be an illustrator. Daniel’s practice incorporates a mixture of Chinese inking brushes, painting brushes, 3B pencil, crayons, a toothbrush, his fingers, and digital techniques.

He was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards in the New Illustrator category, and Daniel has created work for Kiehl’s Pride campaign in 2019, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Sydney Writers Festival, frankie magazine, and Disney.