R Smith • Design Leader

Leading design teams for content-forward digital products.

VP Design at Bleacher Report and Digital Sports for Warner Bros Discovery. Formerly Design at NYTimes. Co-founder of the concept shop SWORDS-SMITH.






I’m a design leader creating brand-defining digital experiences that resonate. I build, nurture and grow diverse teams to solve complex problems. I believe in design’s ability to transform organizations through scalable, strategic approaches.  I empower my teams to drive influence and build trust resulting in deeper collaboration and stronger work.


My Experience

Leading Design at Bleacher Report,  I’ve built a contemporary sports experience that is both conversational and incredibly sticky. I established several multidisciplinary teams made up of 50+ creatives across product, content, social and video. I crafted the design strategy, and oversee all visual touch points. I am responsible for the teams, their work and their growth. In addition to evolving the brand, I see my role as positioning others for success to deliver the biggest  impact. 

At NYTimes, I held a dual role designing core digital products while also being part of the Newsroom – working at the forefront of content and visual journalism. The combined scope blurred lines between Product and Content creating fast iteration, real-time testing and more informed outcomes. My work earned an Emmy Award in New Approaches. My personal work has been published by NYTimes, Print Magazine, T Magazine and Wallpaper. A selection of published work can be found here


Studios & Clients
I spent the early part of my career designing digital products and strategies for culturally conscious agencies including: Code & Theory, Cutwater, Chiat/Day and Razorfish. Past clients include: Ace Hotel, adidas, Columbia University, Equinox, Jeep, Leica, Motown, The North Face, Persol, Ray-Ban, Univision and Vogue.


SWORDS-SMITH
In 2013, I co-founded SWORDS-SMITH, an innovative retailer of independent fashion and design based in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The thoughtfully curated experience represented over 100 brands at the intersection of art and fashion. The shop—both brick & mortar and e-comm—became a go-to destination for creative professionals in NYC and beyond.  


View Case Studies 





Social
Email: hello@notsocommon.net
LinkedIn: notsocommon
Spotify: swords-smith