I live and work in Adams, Massachusetts, not far from where I grew up. I went to Hampshire College from 2002 to 2006, and then the Center For Cartoon Studies from 2008 to 2010, where I got my MFA. 

In 2010 I received a Xeric Grant to publish my first graphic novel, Freddy Stories.

I have drawn comics with the Ladydrawers for Truthout.org and Bitch Media, and I illustrated a chapter book called Jack Strong Takes a Stand for Roaring Brook Press. My comic Lou was published in 17 issues by Oily Comics, and was collected by Alternative Comics in 2016 and translated into French by Sarbacane. 

I’m currently working on a 500 page graphic novel called The Weight, an epic family saga inspired by my late grandfather’s life. My grandfather, Jack Ridgeway, was born in 1936, and before he died in February 2014 he wrote a short memoir for a creative writing class. In it he describes in detail his upbringing in rural upstate New York, including his experiences with poverty and domestic violence. Creating The Weight has allowed me to transmute my grief over losing Grandpa Jack, while also honoring some of my own memories and experiences.

The Weight is available to read here online for free, and print copies of each chapter can be purchased here. I also have a Patreon campaign going for The Weight, which I'd love for you to check out. As a Patron you can also access hundreds of my comic strips about Freddy, the main character from my book Freddy Stories. These strips are only available on Patreon.

Contact: mendes.me@gmail.com