Zach Manbeck

Philadelphia-based artist Zach Manbeck always dreamed of becoming a children’s book creator—and that dream has far surpassed his hopes. Today, he creates playful, colorful, whimsical, and enchanting artwork infused with a vintage flair. His creative toolkit includes gouache, watercolor, pencil, pastel, and digital media.

Zach’s artistic style showcases lush backgrounds and tender, diverse characters rendered with a gentle softness that evokes comfort and warmth. Critics describe his work as both nostalgic and fresh—comforting and contemporary—praising its unique blend of timelessness and modernity. Whimsy, upliftment, and themes of identity, imagination, and self-acceptance are central to all of his compositions.

One of Zach’s favorite projects to date is Shauntay Grant’s Bright Lights, Summer Nights, where the lyrical text inspired him to explore with profound creative freedom. Looking ahead, Zach has many more publishing dreams—one of which is to create a book inspired by The Wizard of Oz.