He studied at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver, where he graduated with a Degree in Fine Art. He found his way into story-telling through art making and a passion for illustration. The marriage of illustration and the hands-on interactive tool Flash set him on a path.
His career spans over two decades, during which he has held various roles in the digital media industry. He has worked with renowned organizations such as CBC radio 3 and The National Film Board of Canada, where he served as a Director/ Producer from 2011 to 2015. Mendes is best known for his work on "Bear 71," an interactive web documentary that explores the intersection of humans, animals, and technology in the wilderness of Banff National Park. The project received critical acclaim and won numerous awards, including a Gold Cyber Lion at the Cannes Lions Festival.