Pixel Flesh

“With kaleidoscopic vision, meticulously researched insights, and the narrative power of a novelist, Ellen Atlanta’s Pixel Flesh unravels the complex tapestry of standards and perceptions that shape our identities. Pixel Flesh is not just a book; it’s an essential mirror reflecting the profound impact of beauty culture on our lives, urging us to question and redefine our notions of allure and authenticity.” –Chloé Cooper Jones, two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and author of Easy Beauty

“A rigorously researched and deeply personal account of the modern female experience. Pixel Flesh is a searing and lucid appraisal of internet culture’s most corrosive and diminishing aspects; from predatory algorithms, celebrity, cosmetic surgery, disordered eating and the tyranny of performing a self. A must-read guidebook on the dizzying hall of mirrors that women must navigate online and the dangerous real world consequences that follow. ” –Nada Alic, author of Bad Thoughts

“Ellen Atlanta has written an imperative manual for surviving modern womanhood. Equal parts compassionate and fierce, personal and universal, Pixel Flesh delivers a searing account of an image culture that continually asks us to self-harm in the name of empowerment. I couldn’t put it down.” –Allie Rowbottom, author of Aesthetica and Jell-O Girls

“Atlanta is a whip-smart, full-hearted writer who gets to the core of beauty with expert grace that makes it look easy. Her vulnerability makes you feel seen as a reader and her expertise makes you feel protected as you navigate the chaos of the beauty industry from her perspective. Pixel Flesh a pleasurable read, and one I feel lucky to have on my shelf. The world is lucky to have her writing and her tenderness, too.” –Arabelle Sicardi, fashion and beauty writer

“Pixel Flesh is a wise and sensitive indictment of the beauty industry–it synthesizes relatable anecdotes about living in the social media age with vigorous research. If you’re struggling with the beauty industry’s chokehold, this book can be a tool in breaking free.” –mj corey, The Kardashian Kolloquium

“This book is courageous, revealing, and occasionally painful, and Atlanta writes with verve and authority.” –Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“An informed look at visual perfection ideals and their chilling contemporary consequences…Atlanta is brutally honest and often uses herself as an example of an informed, intelligent woman who knows she’s being manipulated but still obsesses over her physical appearance. She ends with hope for universal adoption of realistic, inclusive attitudes towards natural and unique beauty for future generations. Many readers will relate to Atlanta’s experience, and appreciate this thoughtful consideration of physical female beauty and how it’s dictated and judged.” –Kathleen McBroom, Booklist (starred)

Ellen Atlanta is a writer and brand consultant specialising in Gen-Z and millennial culture. She has worked in the beauty industry for almost a decade and was a founding editor of Dazed Beauty and consultant for industry heavyweights such as BeautyCon, Estee Lauder, Boots, FeelUnique, Milk Makeup, Flannels Beauty and The Unseen Beauty. With her focus on female empowerment, Ellen departed from the beauty industry in 2019 to become a founding member of both The Stack World and Communia, reimagining social media platforms and creating better digital spaces for women+. In 2021, she was headhunted to support UN Women UK on their digital campaigns, creating safer public spaces for women and marginalised genders across the country. She lives in London.