viscom: readings and sagmeister video response

i see graphic design as an opportunity for influence; as a megaphone to amplify my ideas to a broader audience.  it's almost a secret language in which we as designers send our subversive agendas.  similarly, the readings suggest that graphic design is the filter through which information is fed through to the people, and that ultimately the designer is responsible for creating and setting the limitations of that filter.  based on the video, however, austrian born designer stefan sagmeister seems to be at the mercy of the design rather than the design at the mercy of the designer.  this passion, as well as a willingness to "have guts" in design, is evidently the key to great work.