Zach Weinstein
Summary
I’m a New York–based comedy writer, illustrator, and animator with UCB Sketch training who loves building strong game, bold characters, and grounded absurdity. Through my studio Gripless, I design characters, direct animated shorts, and develop visual comedy for brands and performers, blending expressive illustration with comedic timing and fully realized worlds. I’m also the creator of The Gripless Times, a satirical magazine where I write in multiple comedic voices and build recurring characters and universes. Across all my work, I thrive in collaborative environments and love bringing together writing and visual storytelling to make something surprising, specific, and genuinely funny
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
COMEDY WRITING & PERFORMANCE
Self Employed Services
2020 - Current
I’m a writer, illustrator, and animator with a background in creating character-driven, game-focused comedy. Through my studio Gripless, I’ve produced animated shorts and comedic concepts for brands and performers. I’m also the creator of The Gripless Times, a satirical magazine showcasing my writing range and world-building.
FILM & TV PROJECTS
Self Employed Services
2020 - Current
For animated TV and comedy projects, I’ve developed submission materials for Smiling Friends, including character design samples and animation-style tests built to match the show’s tone, as well as pitch materials for animated comedy concepts. I’ve also produced animated and comedic video content for Tom Segura, Gary Vee, Kodak Black, and Tory Lanez, with a focus on expressive, cartoon-driven storytelling and sharp, kinetic comedic timing.
ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION
Self Employed Services
2014 - Current
As founder and creative director of Gripless, I create animated shorts, character designs, and visual comedy for brands like Glenlivet, McCormick, Black Tap, Broadway’s Into the Woods, and LinkNYC. I’ve designed 50+ characters for the New York Critters series across NYC and specialize in comedic character design, visual gags, style-matching, and storyboarding built for strong comedic timing. I also illustrated a 32-page children’s book for ages 3–7, shaping the humor, pacing, and expressive storytelling throughout.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Amherst, MA05-2016
Skills
Writing: sketch, satire, parody, packet writing, punch-ups, game, heightening, character monologues
Art/Animation: Procreate, Photoshop, After Effects, character design, storyboarding, visual gags
Other: Pitch decks, brand comedy, collaborative writers’ room workflow, improv familiarity
Timeline
COMEDY WRITING & PERFORMANCE
Self Employed Services
2020 - Current
FILM & TV PROJECTS
Self Employed Services
2020 - Current
ANIMATION & ILLUSTRATION
Self Employed Services
2014 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Communications
University of Massachusetts, Amherst