Anthony Menecola

Staff Product Designer focused on conversational commerce at Shopify

Issue #137 March 13, 2022

About

Anthony Menecola is currently a Staff Product Designer focused on conversational commerce at Shopify. He has previously collaborated with global brands including Bank of Montreal, Fitbit, Ford, Nike and Survey Monkey.

Prior to designing software, he worked as an Art Director at a local Toronto agency for several years developing print and digital campaigns for alcohol brands and feature films.

When he’s not designing and working behind a computer he can be found taking photographs.

Photos

2 images

Gear

18 items

Chair Herman Miller Aeron Buy

Computer Apple M1 Macboook Pro Buy

Monitor LG UltraFine 4k Buy

Accessories Logitech M705 Buy

Keyboard Apple Magic Keyboard — Space Grey Buy

Desk Mat ULX leather desk mat

Computer Audio Engine A2+, Kanto S2 Desktop Speaker Stands Buy

Microphone Blue Yeti Buy

Accessories Blue Compass broadcast boom arm Buy

Accessories Blue radius 3 shock mount Buy

Accessories Apple ear buds

Hub / Dock OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock Buy

Webcam Logitech Brio Buy

Accessories Toyo T-190 Tool Box — Olive

Accessories Hasami porcelain mug

Accessories Kinto tumblr

Accessories Panobook by Studio Neat

Accessories Muji pens

Interview

10 questions

› How many times do you take breaks? Do you go outside, exercise or just work to get it done fastest?

It depends on the type of work I’m focused on for the day. I try not to sit behind the screen for more than one hour without some sort of short break. I alternate between sit/stand every 30min. We have a 5 month old puppy named Gus who has been a great forcing function to stepping outside for a walk.

› Where did you set up your home office and why?

We recently moved into a home which has a spare bedroom upstairs that I’ve converted into a dedicated office. It’s been amazing having a focused space to make my own and dedicate to focus work.

› How do you make/keep working remotely fun?

I think it’s important to dedicate time in your day to socializing with coworkers in some capacity. Whether that’s a casual coffee chat or playing a virtual game, every little bit counts. I also try to focus on the little things like playing music through speakers, walking the dog, or taking a midday shower that help break up the time spent at the desk.

› How have you conquered cable management?

Humanscale NeatTech Velcro cable wraps 3m adhesive cable clips

› What keyboard do you use?

Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - Space Grey

› What speakers do you have on each side of your monitor?

Audio Engine A2+, Kanto S2 Desktop Speaker Stands

› What microphone is on your desk?

Blue Yeti Blackout edition

› What microphone stand and mount do you have?

Blue Compass broadcast boom arm Blue radius 3 shock mount

› What docking station to you use to connect all of your peripherals?

OWC Thunderbolt 4 dock

› How you keep the work-life balance?

I’m grateful to work at an employer with amazing coworkers that encourage and respect this Balance. It also helps to take control of your notification settings when it makes sense. At the end of the day I look forward to stepping out of the office to spend time with my wife and our growing family.