Eric Rhodes

About Me

I worked in the book publishing industry right before social media, e-readers, and mobile phones changed the way people consumed books forever. And I spent a decade as a UX designer learning how technological innovation creates more opportunity for those who embrace it.

I then built a career as an experience designer, eventually leading global design programs at companies like Google and Twitter. These experiences shaped my ability to think systemically, collaborate across disciplines, and design frameworks that balance creativity with operational structure.

Shortly after that I found myself in California leading retail CX design at Google ATAP for Project Ara and Project Jacaquard. Six months later I was recruited to be a founding member of the Google Hardware CX team. And there I got to work on the launch of Google Home, Pixel, and Google's smart speaker series. It was at this moment where users were just beginning to willingly invite IoT devices that listened passiviely intot heir homes because they could talk to it.

Two years later, I joined Twitter to launch their first-ever CX team for their global support operations org. It was there, I got my first taste of seeing how AI/ML works at scale. I also happened to be there during Trump's first term as President. And it was as messy, amazing, and intense as you might think (both the political climate and the AI/ML backend).

I eventually, burned out from silicon valley tech and found myself in the early days of the NFT space.

My transition from Silicon Valley to the Web3 frontier was driven by a need to see how technology could serve as a medium for human expression. But as I watched the rise of decentralized 'ghost work,' I realized the systems labor is built on in America are being rewritten by AI. I returned to school to master the Organizational Dynamics of this shift—funding my own independent study on AI anxiety when institutional boards couldn't keep pace. Now, I am mapping the path toward an AI governance model that prioritizes human agency over mere optimization.

And n 2019, Second Realm began exploring how an art practice could merge with blockchain technology. It captured a deep curiosity and led to a full commitment to the path it opened.

Today, he's an award-winning crypto art pioneer at the forefront of creative innovation in Web3.

A key figure in the Trash Art movement, their embrace of IP decentralization, remix, CC0, and open participation laid the foundation of digital art culture in Web3 today.

Additionally, his Unofficial Punks project became the progenitor of the largest decentralized art movement, sparking the wave of AltPunks (derivatives, remixes, and homages) that use CryptoPunks as a template for artistic expression and exploration.

As the founder of the award-winning studio Second Realm, I helped pioneer innovative digital art movements such as Altpunks and Trash Art, which redefined norms around digital ownership and remix culture.

My time leading global design programs at Google and Twitter, alongside his experience building Second Realm, wasn't just about strategy and systems—it was about understanding how technology can serve as a tool for deeper connection, creative exploration, and emotional resonance.

In my view, technology isn't merely functional—it’s a medium for authentic human expression.

"As we navigate this ever-changing landscape, let's remember that at the heart of every technological advancement is the human spirit—curious, creative, and ever-evolving." Balancing Art, Technology, and Humanity

This philosophy continues to guide me as I navigates the intersection of emerging technologies and human connection.

Drawn to the complexities of being human in an increasingly digital world, I pursued a Master's degree focused on the intersection of emerging technologies and the future of work.

I saw this path as a natural extension of my career in emerging technology—exploring how evolving systems can better support the people that use them.

[need to add the information about how my time in teh web3 space adn decentralized work and ghost work got me interested in labor economcis so i deiced to return tot school in order to deepen my knowlede about eh systems that laobr is built on in 'merica. then during that time i became more fasciated wth the imapct of AI int eh workplace. tried to run an istudy couldn't get the approvla from teh IRB board at rurtgers adn decided to run it myself anyway. funded it myself. and now i'm on a hourney to gain a deeper undersatding of the organziational dynamics that are invovled in ai governance and adoption.]

Interests

Work

  • Second Realm (2019–Present) — Built a Web3-native art studio experimenting with digital ownership, remix culture, and creative technology generating $1M in primary and secondary sales.
  • Twitter (2018–2019) — Recruited to establish and scale a global CX and service design program under the world-class leadership of Donald Hicks, translating customer insights into operational improvements across product and support.
  • Google Hardware (2016–2018) — Founding member of the CX design team under the executive guidance of Ivy Ross, building the customer experience layer for the launch of Google Home, Google Pixel, and Google's smart speaker lineup.
  • Google ATAP (2016) — Led CX design efforts for experimental devices, including Project Ara (modular phone) and Project Jacquard (smart fashion). Primarily focused on how they'd be marketed, sold, and serviced in a brick-and-mortar retail store. Mentored by long-time Silicon Valley tech executive Ori Dugary and worked alongside renowned IDEO design leader Blaise Bertrand.
  • Major League Baseball (2015) — I was focused on fan engagement; increasing ticket sales through the Texas Rangers email list and website via partner activation.
  • HarperCollins Publishers (2014–2015) — I was handling data-driven audience development for the children's books division using web, newsletter, and mobile channels.
  • The Book Report Network (2006–2014) — Progressed from Web Producer to Director of Design, partnering with The New York Times bestselling authors to grow audiences and connect with their readers through newsletter, blog, and social channels; clients included William Gibson, Ray Bradbury, Steven Pressfield, and Nick Santora.

Education