Most brands flourish, falter, and then die—making room for brands that are superior or more innovative. However, there are some brands that sustain their position in the marketplace despite shifts in social, economic and cultural conditions. Why do some brands manage to evolve with the times, while others fail? A fundamental understanding of the evolutionary phenomenon of culture is key to ensuring brands can maintain or improve their position in the marketplace. Their continuing success is contextual and dependent on myriad and sometimes mysterious factors.

This year, we challenged our students to interrogate what it means for a brand to be accountable to its values. The 2025 thesis challenged them to examine the tension between principle and profit. We asked them to investigate how brands could stand by their convictions rather than bend to the pressures of stakeholders and short-term financial gains. The work investigates not just the cost of compromise, but the opportunities that emerge when brands act with integrity.

Through robust critical analysis, we asked our students to reposition brands that have fallen out of pace with culture. The criteria included how to reposition these brands, develop strategies for greater relevance, and create new tactics in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.

You're Invited: SVA Class of 2025 Masters in Branding Thesis Premiere

Date: November 18th, 2025

Time:
3:30pm Doors
4:00pm Presentations Begin
7:00-8:00pm Masters in Branding Book Series Panel Discussion
8:00-9:00pm Networking Mingle

Location: SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, New York, NY

Presentation Run of Show
Introduction
Target
Sesame Workshop
New York Times
Conclusion

Join us for an evening of creativity, strategy, and innovation as the School of Visual Arts presents the Masters in Branding Thesis Premiere. Witness the culmination of months of rigorous research and thought-provoking projects as our graduating cohort presents their visionary work to the world.