In Obey the Giant, design writer Rick Poynor exposes the ambivalent reality beneath the seductive surface of contemporary visual culture. Ranging across design, advertising, photography, publishing and art, these essays challenge received wisdom, dismiss sacred cows and pose challenging questions about key issues and trends - from graphic memes and the poverty of 'cool' to culture jamming, designer sex and death, and the pleasure of imperfection. An inspiring call to action, Obey the Giant shows how designers and image-makers both collude with, and resist, corporate control of the image world.