About Me
The Why
Before I design for users, I start with why I’m driven to design at all.
The non-work version
A Natural builder, problem solver and rabbit-hole diver.
I see something cool and immediately think, “Bet I could make that.”
The Result: investing in a lot of photography/videography equipment, a piano I’m still learning and spending way too much time on YouTube, learning new skills and getting ideas.
Hands on creator.
Away from screens, I love projects involving power tools and renovation. There's something satisfying about bringing ideas to life with your hands and I love the process of bringing my imagination to reality.
Die-hard Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan.
I subject myself to the emotional rollercoaster of Buffalo sports. When I’m not at the stadium losing my voice, you'll find me on a golf course pursuing the eternal quest of figuring out my golf swing.
Startup funding raised (and spent)
Year I founded my first “company”
Years building random stuff
Bills Super Bowl Ring 🙏 (in progess)
3 Generations of UX DNA
User experience and systems thinking didn’t start with me – It’s in my family.
Gen 1
Grandfather
Electrical engineer who created McDonald’s McDLT temperature control packaging to keep the hot side hot and cool side cool - Solving soggy ingredients problem.
Generation 1
Father
An All-Around Handy Man who takes a systems thinking approach to understanding how things work. Whether it’s carpentry, electrical, plumbing or automobiles, he can fix it.
3rd Generation
Brother
Packaging Engineer at Bose who turns complex shipping logistics into a product delivery to the customer that is an emotional unboxing experience.
3rd Generation
Me
A Product Designer who dissects messy user problems and turn them into joyful emotional experiences.
The most powerful tool in design isn’t the answer. It’s the question that hasn’t been asked yet.
“
Accidental UX Entrepreneur
Back in 2011, during my senior year at the University of Rochester and before I ever heard the term "UX design," I was unknowingly putting its principles into practice when I ran a custom apparel side project for my football team. I created simple to use spreadsheets that allowed over 100 teammates and their families to personalize apparel and order with ease. It wasn’t just about selling shirts, it was about understanding what people needed and making the experience as smooth as possible. That small project ended up earning $5,000 in just a few weeks, but more importantly, it sparked something deeper.
That spark led to an idea in 2012, when I shared a concept for a fitness social network with a friend and when the conversation ended I had real investment. From there, FitsMo came to life. I found myself designing app screens, building pitch decks, and taking on every role from photographer to accountant. I raised over $50,000 in funding and brought a vision to life through design, storytelling, and a lot of learning by doing. I was solving real problems through thoughtful design and a strong sense of empathy.
Professional Boxer, Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr.
Within every soul lies a quiet defiance and a hidden underdog waiting for their moment. It’s the unearthing of these struggles that inspires us the most. Reminding us that our greatest triumphs are born from the odds we were never meant to overcome.
My Approach & Vision
My approach to problem-solving comes from my dad, who taught me that understanding how things work is far more valuable than chasing quick fixes. He’s the guy who reads every instruction manual, not because he has to, but because he wants to know how every piece fits together. When something breaks, he already knows how to fix it. That investigative mindset fuels everything I do as a designer. I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for the root cause.
Investigative Thinking
I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for root causes. I dissect user pain points, leverage research and AI tools to uncover insights that prevent churn and drive 2x engagement.
Athlete’s Vision
I view UX as high stakes competition. I map full user journeys backward from the win condition, rallying cross-functional teams to ship intuitive flows that convert and retain at scale.
Always Be Learning
No tool or challenge is static. Whether mastering AI prototypes or learning something new away from the screen, I just get started, iterate fast, and adapt. If you’re not failing, you’re not getting any better.
“
It’s never “I can’t.”
It’s either “I can” or “I can learn.”
Design doesn’t end at the screen
For me, user experience isn’t confined to pixels; it’s how something works in the real world.
When I built the sports bar in my basement, one hidden UX win was tucking USB charging ports under the counter so guests never had to stretch cables or leave their devices. When I made custom tufted ottomans for my house and a local barbershop, I obsessed over the same things I do in Figma: usability vs. comfort, material quality vs. cost, and how the piece actually lives in the space.
Digital or physical, the obsession with thoughtful outcomes never changes. See the outcome of a few of my projects away from the screen below.
My Home Bar Build
Custom Tufted Ottoman Build
Today
Today, I bring three generations of problem-solving DNA into every design challenge. I combine hands-on curiosity, formal UX training, and real-world product experience. I approach each project with the:
Efficiency of a Tech-Forward Designer
Today I harness AI to work smarter, not harder. Whether it's accelerating research, generating variations, or testing concepts, I use technology as a creative partner - freeing up mental bandwidth for the strategic and human-centered work that matters most.
Adaptability of an Entrepreneur
My background gives me a unique perspective. I understand the value of both big-picture thinking and design details. I’ve worked with startups and growing teams to deliver experiences that meet user needs and support business goals, internal operations, and evolving brands.
Intentionality of a Strategic Builder
Design isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I move through the world. Whether I’m sketching flows in Figma or routing power cables under a home bar counter, I bring the same mindset: be intentional, understand the why, and build something people actually value.
Let’s Build Something Thoughtful
Whether it’s a digital product, a brand experience, or even a physical space, I care deeply about creating work that makes people stop and say, “This just feels right.” If you’re looking for a designer who can ask the right questions, think through the details, and turn vision into something tangible — let’s connect.
Connect on LinkedIn
Progress begins the moment we admit we don’t have it all figured out.
“
Ready to create something amazing together?
Let’s Connect
2025 Anthony Messana Design. All rights reserved.
Home
My Projects
About Me
My Resume
About Me
The Why
Before I design for users, I start with why I’m driven to design at all.
The non-work version
A Natural builder, problem solver and rabbit hole diver.
I see something cool and immediately think, “Bet I could make that.”
The Result: investing in a lot of photography/videography equipment, a piano I’m still learning and spending way too much time on YouTube, learning new skills and getting ideas.
Hands on creator.
Away from screens, I love projects involving power tools and renovation. There's something satisfying about bringing ideas to life with your hands and I love the process of bringing my imagination to reality.
Die-hard Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan.
I subject myself to the emotional rollercoaster of Buffalo sports. When I’m not at the stadium losing my voice, you'll find me on a golf course pursuing the eternal quest of figuring out my golf swing.
Startup funding raised (and spent)
Year I founded my first “company”
Years building random stuff
Bills Super Bowl Ring
🙏 (in progess)
3 Generations of UX DNA
User experience and systems thinking didn’t start with me – It’s in my family.
Generation 1
Grandfather
Electrical engineer who created McDonald’s McDLT temperature control packaging to keep the hot side hot and cool side cool - Solving soggy ingredients problem.
2nd Generation
Father
An All-Around Handy Man who takes a systems thinking approach to understanding how things work. Whether it’s carpentry, electrical, plumbing or automobiles, he can fix it.
3rd Generation
Brother
Packaging Engineer at Bose who turns complex shipping logistics into a product delivery to the customer that is an emotional unboxing experience.
3rd Generation
Me
A Product Designer who dissects messy user problems and turn them into joyful emotional experiences.
The most powerful tool in design isn’t the answer. It’s the question that hasn’t been asked yet.
“
Accidental UX Entrepreneur
Back in 2011, during my senior year at the University of Rochester and before I ever heard the term "UX design," I was unknowingly putting its principles into practice when I ran a custom apparel side project for my football team. I created simple to use spreadsheets that allowed over 100 teammates and their families to personalize apparel and order with ease. It wasn’t just about selling shirts, it was about understanding what people needed and making the experience as smooth as possible. That small project ended up earning $5,000 in just a few weeks, but more importantly, it sparked something deeper.
That spark led to an idea in 2012, when I shared a concept for a fitness social network with a friend and when the conversation ended I had real investment. From there, FitsMo came to life. I found myself designing app screens, building pitch decks, and taking on every role from photographer to accountant. I raised over $50,000 in funding and brought a vision to life through design, storytelling, and a lot of learning by doing. I was solving real problems through thoughtful design and a strong sense of empathy.
Professional Boxer, Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr.
Within every soul lies a quiet defiance and a hidden underdog waiting for their moment. It’s the unearthing of these struggles that inspires us the most. Reminding us that our greatest triumphs are born from the odds we were never meant to overcome.
My Approach & Vision
My approach to problem-solving comes from my dad, who taught me that understanding how things work is far more valuable than chasing quick fixes. He’s the guy who reads every instruction manual, not because he has to, but because he wants to know how every piece fits together. When something breaks, he already knows how to fix it. That investigative mindset fuels everything I do as a designer. I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for the root cause.
Investigative Thinking
I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for root causes. I dissect user pain points, leverage research and AI tools to uncover insights that prevent churn and drive 2x engagement.
Athlete’s Vision
I view UX as high stakes competition. I map full user journeys backward from the win condition, rallying cross-functional teams to ship intuitive flows that convert and retain at scale.
Always Be Learning
No tool or challenge is static. Whether mastering AI prototypes or learning something new away from the screen, I just get started, iterate fast, and adapt. If you’re not failing, you’re not getting any better.
“
It’s never “I can’t.”
It’s either “I can” or “I can learn.”
Design doesn’t end at the screen
For me, user experience isn’t confined to pixels; it’s how something works in the real world.
When I built the sports bar in my basement, one hidden UX win was tucking USB charging ports under the counter so guests never had to stretch cables or leave their devices. When I made custom tufted ottomans for my house and a local barbershop, I obsessed over the same things I do in Figma: usability vs. comfort, material quality vs. cost, and how the piece actually lives in the space.
Digital or physical, the obsession with thoughtful outcomes never changes. See the outcome of a few of my projects away from the screen below.
My Home Bar Build
See Project
Custom Tufted Ottoman Build
See Project
Today
Today, I bring three generations of problem-solving DNA into every design challenge. I combine hands-on curiosity, formal UX training, and real-world product experience. I approach each project with the:
Efficiency of a Tech-Forward Designer
Today I harness AI to work smarter, not harder. Whether it's accelerating research, generating variations, or testing concepts, I use technology as a creative partner - freeing up mental bandwidth for the strategic and human-centered work that matters most.
Adaptability of an Entrepreneur
My background gives me a unique perspective. I understand the value of both big-picture thinking and design details. I’ve worked with startups and growing teams to deliver experiences that meet user needs and support business goals, internal operations, and evolving brands.
Intentionality of a Strategic Builder
Design isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I move through the world. Whether I’m sketching flows in Figma or routing power cables under a home bar counter, I bring the same mindset: be intentional, understand the why, and build something people actually value.
Let’s Build Something Thoughtful
Whether it’s a digital product, a brand experience, or even a physical space, I care deeply about creating work that makes people stop and say, “This just feels right.” If you’re looking for a designer who can ask the right questions, think through the details, and turn vision into something tangible — let’s connect.
Connect on LinkedIn
Progress begins the moment we admit we don’t have it all figured out.
“
ANTHONY MESSANA
Ready to create something amazing together?
Let’s Connect
2025 Anthony Messana Design. All rights reserved.
Home
My Projects
About Me
My Resume
About Me
The Why
Before I design for users, I start with why I’m driven to design at all.
The non-work version
A Natural builder, problem solver and rabbit hole diver.
I see something cool and immediately think, “Bet I could make that.”
The Result: investing in a lot of photography/videography equipment, a piano I’m still learning and spending way too much time on YouTube, learning new skills and getting ideas.
Hands on creator.
Away from screens, I love projects involving power tools and renovation. There's something satisfying about bringing ideas to life with your hands and I love the process of bringing my imagination to reality.
Die-hard Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan.
I subject myself to the emotional rollercoaster of Buffalo sports. When I’m not at the stadium losing my voice, you'll find me on a golf course pursuing the eternal quest of figuring out my golf swing.
Startup funding raised (and spent)
Year I founded my first “company”
Years building random stuff
Bills Super Bowl Ring
🙏 (in progess)
3 Generations of UX DNA
User experience and systems thinking didn’t start with me – It’s in my family.
1st Generation
Grandfather
Electrical engineer who created McDonald’s McDLT temperature control packaging to keep the hot side hot and cool side cool - Solving soggy ingredients problem.
2nd Generation
Father
An All-Around Handy Man who takes a systems thinking approach to understanding how things work. Whether it’s carpentry, electrical, plumbing or automobiles, he can fix it.
3rd Generation
Brother
Packaging Engineer at Bose who turns complex shipping logistics into a product delivery to the customer that is an emotional unboxing experience.
3rd Generation
Me
A Product Designer who dissects messy user problems and turn them into joyful emotional experiences.
The most powerful tool in design isn’t the answer. It’s the question that hasn’t been asked yet.
“
Accidental UX Entrepreneur
Back in 2011, during my senior year at the University of Rochester and before I ever heard the term "UX design," I was unknowingly putting its principles into practice when I ran a custom apparel side project for my football team. I created simple to use spreadsheets that allowed over 100 teammates and their families to personalize apparel and order with ease. It wasn’t just about selling shirts, it was about understanding what people needed and making the experience as smooth as possible. That small project ended up earning $5,000 in just a few weeks, but more importantly, it sparked something deeper.
That spark led to an idea in 2012, when I shared a concept for a fitness social network with a friend and when the conversation ended I had real investment. From there, FitsMo came to life. I found myself designing app screens, building pitch decks, and taking on every role from photographer to accountant. I raised over $50,000 in funding and brought a vision to life through design, storytelling, and a lot of learning by doing. I was solving real problems through thoughtful design and a strong sense of empathy.
Professional Boxer, Willie “El Mongoose” Monroe Jr.
Within every soul lies a quiet defiance and a hidden underdog waiting for their moment. It’s the unearthing of these struggles that inspires us the most. Reminding us that our greatest triumphs are born from the odds we were never meant to overcome.
My approach & vision
My approach to problem-solving comes from my dad, who taught me that understanding how things work is far more valuable than chasing quick fixes. He’s the guy who reads every instruction manual, not because he has to, but because he wants to know how every piece fits together. When something breaks, he already knows how to fix it. That investigative mindset fuels everything I do as a designer. I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for the root cause.
Investigative Thinking
I don’t just treat symptoms, I look for root causes. I dissect user pain points, leverage research and AI tools to uncover insights that prevent churn and drive 2x engagement.
Athlete’s Vision
I view UX as high stakes competition. I map full user journeys backward from the win condition, rallying cross-functional teams to ship intuitive flows that convert and retain at scale.
Always Be Learning
No tool or challenge is static. Whether mastering AI prototypes or learning something new away from the screen, I just get started, iterate fast, and adapt. If you’re not failing, you’re not getting any better.
“
It’s never “I can’t.”
It’s either “I can” or “I can learn.”
Design doesn’t end at the screen
For me, user experience isn’t confined to pixels; it’s how something works in the real world.
When I built the sports bar in my basement, one hidden UX win was tucking USB charging ports under the counter so guests never had to stretch cables or leave their devices. When I made custom tufted ottomans for my house and a local barbershop, I obsessed over the same things I do in Figma: usability vs. comfort, material quality vs. cost, and how the piece actually lives in the space.
Digital or physical, the obsession with thoughtful outcomes never changes. See the outcome of a few of my projects away from the screen below.
My Home Bar Build
See Project
Custom Tufted Ottoman Build
See Project
Today
Today, I bring three generations of problem-solving DNA into every design challenge. I combine hands-on curiosity, formal UX training, and real-world product experience. I approach each project with the:
Efficiency of a Tech-Forward Designer
Today I harness AI to work smarter, not harder. Whether it's accelerating research, generating variations, or testing concepts, I use technology as a creative partner - freeing up mental bandwidth for the strategic and human-centered work that matters most.
Adaptability of an Entrepreneur
My background gives me a unique perspective. I understand the value of both big-picture thinking and design details. I’ve worked with startups and growing teams to deliver experiences that meet user needs and support business goals, internal operations, and evolving brands.
Intentionality of a Strategic Builder
Design isn’t just a job for me. It’s how I move through the world. Whether I’m sketching flows in Figma or routing power cables under a home bar counter, I bring the same mindset: be intentional, understand the why, and build something people actually value.
Let’s Build Something Thoughtful
Whether it’s a digital product, a brand experience, or even a physical space, I care deeply about creating work that makes people stop and say, “This just feels right.” If you’re looking for a designer who can ask the right questions, think through the details, and turn vision into something tangible — let’s connect.
Connect on LinkedIn
Progress begins the moment we admit we don’t have it all figured out.
“
ANTHONY MESSANA
Ready to create something amazing together?
Let’s Connect
2025 Anthony Messana Design. All rights reserved.