Douglas Coupland is a Canadian novelist, designer, and visual artist who has significantly influenced contemporary culture with his works. Born on December 30, 1961, Coupland rose to prominence with his first novel, the 1991 international bestseller Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture, which popularized the terms Generation X and McJob. His rich literary career spans 13 novels, two collections of short stories, seven non-fiction books, and various dramatic works and screenplays for film and television. Coupland's voice extends beyond literature; he is a columnist for the Financial Times, and a frequent contributor to The New York Times, e-flux journal, DIS Magazine, and Vice.

Coupland's exploration of cultural shifts induced by new technologies and his critique of North American middle-class values are persistent themes in his work. His contributions to the art world include notable exhibits like Everywhere Is Anywhere Is Anything Is Everything, showcased at prestigious venues such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Royal Ontario Museum. In recognition of his contributions to Canadian culture and literature, Coupland has been honored as an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of British Columbia. His narrative talents and insightful observations on contemporary life have earned him nominations for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and the Writers' Trust Fiction Prize, among others.

Coupland's personal history is as diverse as his professional career; born on a Canadian Air Force base near Baden-Baden, Germany, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 1965, where he continues to live and work. His formal education in art and design spans institutions in Vancouver, Milan, and Sapporo, underlining his multifaceted approach to creativity. Beyond his literary achievements, Coupland has resumed his practice as a visual artist since 2001, with exhibitions across North America, Europe, and Asia, marking him as a prominent figure in both the literary and visual arts spheres.