As an entrepreneur partner and chief creative officer of Invok Brands, Richard Shear’s expertise lies in helping clients uncover the visual heritage of their most iconic brands and using this design equity to help them build and position these brands in ways that inform, connect, and motivate. As a member of the School of Visual Arts founding faculty of the Masters in Branding program, Richard teaches The History of Branding, focusing on the interconnected evolution of global consumer culture and visual history through the last two millennia and its influences on contemporary retail brands.

Mark Kingsley got his start in the music industry, designing packages for the likes of John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, Quincy Jones, Ginger Baker, and Jewel. In 2001, his work for Blue Note Records received a Grammy nomination. Mark then transitioned into the world of corporate branding. At Landor, he was the global creative lead on the Citi account, and as executive strategy director at Collins, he developed the new global positioning for Ogilvy and helped Equinox enter the luxury hotel business. His boutique studio, Malcontent, serves independent filmmakers, global advertising firms, fintech startups, arts organizations, living legends, and Pulitzer Prize winners. Mark teaches at the School of Visual Arts Masters in Branding program and recently held the endowed Melbert B. Cary Professorship in Graphic Arts at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is currently head of brand for the fashion brand Oumlil.