#WFH Diaries: Bowen Mendelson of the WITH/agency
As the pandemic continues, and with most folks still working from home, we're continuing to check in with industry pros to see how they're faring. Below, we chat with Bowen Mendelson, executive creative director at the WITH/agency in Atlanta.
Give us a one-line bio of yourself.
I'm a self-made class clown, husband, father, ski-bum, surfer boy.
Where are you living right now, and who's with you?
Atlanta. Wife, two kids and a new puppy.
What's your work situation like at the moment, and how is it evolving?
Been working from various parts of the house with a couple hours in the office here and there. Adding more time in the office. But we just returned to the office three days a week.
Describe your socializing strategy.
We live in a tight-knit neighborhood, so socializing has been mostly limited to families around the neighborhood. I also take a weekly bike ride with a former work partner. My wife has a preexisting condition so we're SUPER careful.
How are you dealing with childcare?
It's basically Lord of the Flies. Kiddos have logged a ton of screen time, but my wife and I do our best to keep them entertained. It's organized chaos, and we're doing our best.
What are you reading?
I have never been much of a reader. Since virtual school I have been reading a ton of kid homework type stuff.
What are you watching?
I was never much of a binge watcher, but corona changed all that. Ozark, Kingdom and now The Vow have been my favorites.
What are you listening to?
I always have music playing. I stream a Cage the Elephant Pandora station during the day and a Bon Iver station at night while cleaning up. It soothes the soul.
How are you staying fit?
I am a diehard Orangetheory member. I have been back in the studio for a couple months. It's my saving grace.
Have you taken up a hobby?
Mountain biking. Since I can't ski right now, I needed to find another hobby where I can hurl myself down a mountain.
An awkward moment since all this started.
Every day is awkward when you have 10 million Zoom calls and kids in the room.
An aha! moment since all this started.
I don't suck at doing small home repairs. I was always scared of it, but since Covid hit I have discovered my handy side.
What's your theory on how this is going to play out?
Until there is a vaccine it'll continue being weird. There will continue to be peaks and valleys, and we'll all try to return to normal. The election will have a huge impact on our future and on Covid.
