"A History of Brands is smart, stylish and succinct -- a solid introduction to branding's long and complex history."

--Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

"A well designed brand-aid for a domain often wounded by a lack of historical understanding."

--Josh Owen, Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design Director, Rochester Institute of Technology

"Richard Shear has found the missing link between consumption, commerce, advertising, corporate identity and graphic design by focusing on this in depth history of brands. For too long the disciplines have been discussed as tangents, with Shear's book they are now attached to the mother-ship."

--Steven Heller, Co-Founder and Co-Chair Emeritus, SVA MFA Design

"This book is a welcome addition to that available on the history of branding and graphic design. Shear's book is comprehensive and detailed in its chronological presentation of this history. There are many books on branding by designers but most do not trace this history with such detail and without bias. I am pleased to see this important information become available."

--R. Roger Remington, Vignelli Distinguished Professor of Design Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology

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.

Named “one of the most influential designers working today,” Debbie Millman is an author, educator, and brand strategist. She is also president emeritus of AIGA, the creative director of Print Magazine, and host of the award-winning podcast series Design Matters, the first and longest-running design podcast in the world. In 2009 Debbie cofounded with Steven Heller the world’s first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Now in its sixth year, the pro