Painting a Legacy: The Impact of Doug Driediger's Artistic Vision

Do you feel like you're constantly told to prioritize quality work as an entrepreneurial artist, but you're still not seeing the results you want? If so, you're not alone. It's time to ditch the ineffective actions and learn from industry experts in this episode. Discover innovative approaches to blending entrepreneurship and art, the crucial role of collaboration and communication, and the power of perseverance and passion in achieving long-term success. Plus, explore the effectiveness of all-inclusive services for the oil and gas industry and the creative financial responses that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. It's time to prioritize quality work and get the results you deserve.
Saying yes and being willing to jump off a cliff is a big part of success as an entrepreneur.


Meet Doug Driediger, a talented artist, mural painter, and designer who founded Metro Design Group in 1981. With a passion for creating unique and captivating art, Doug has worked on various large-scale projects, including the Waterton Park Interpretive Center and numerous public art installations across Canada. As a dedicated artist, Doug believes in the power of perseverance, quality work, and following one's passion to achieve success in the world of entrepreneurship. Get inspired by Doug's incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected leader in the artistic community.

This is Doug Driediger's story:
Doug Driediger's artistic journey began with a deep-rooted passion for drawing and painting. His humble beginnings and unwavering support from his partner helped him stay true to his craft. Over time, Doug continued to say yes to every opportunity that came his way, pushing himself to take on bigger and more ambitious projects. With each success came further opportunities, from painting a mural in Shimanus, BC to creating the largest painting he had done at the Calgary Petroleum Club. Doug's dedication to always delivering the highest quality work, even when it meant making sacrifices, allowed him to make a name for himself as an artist.
In this episode, you will be able to:

• Unravel Doug Driediger's inventive fusion of business and artistry in creating public masterpieces.
• Recognize the essential need for partnership and open communication to ensure the Waterton Park Visitors Center project's accomplishment.
• Acknowledge the power of tenacity, high-quality work, and following your passion in driving success.

Pursuing Quality Over Profit
In the pursuit of creative success, prioritizing quality over profit sets entrepreneurial artists apart from others. This approach involves creating exceptional work regardless of the project's financial gain. By focusing on creating high-caliber work, entrepreneurial artists can establish themselves as trusted and reliable professionals who genuinely care about their craft. This, in turn, can attract more lucrative opportunities in the long run. Doug Driediger's story demonstrates the importance of doing one's best, even when a project may not be profitable. His company, Metrographics, has always centered its approach on creating beautiful and quality work, regardless of the budget. Despite initially struggling financially, Doug and his partner persisted, believing in the value of his art and the unwavering dedication to quality.

The Natural Spaces of Calgary
Nature can be a significant source of inspiration for entrepreneurial artists, and exploring the outdoors can help spark creative ideas. Different locations provide unique perspectives and opportunities for artists, with each environment offering something distinctive for artistic endeavors. In their conversation, Doug revealed his fondness for Calgary's natural spaces and vast pathway systems. He recommended that fellow artists and nature enthusiasts explore these locations to appreciate the various art pieces throughout the city. By doing so, artists can discover new avenues for inspiration and expression, honing their craft and deepening their connection with the world around them.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the Beringia center and Whitehorse visitors center for environment and climate change Canada in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick parks.
• Explore Canada's national historic sites, town of Batish and the new Canadian wilds experience at the Calgary zoo.
• Consider using Metro Design Group for culture building experiences across Canada, trail guides, and visitor centers.
• Visit Waterton Park and experience the new heart of the park.

Timestamped summary of this episode:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
Kim Hayden introduces Doug Driediger and his company, Metro Design Group, which designs and builds cultural buildings and experiences across Canada.

00:03:09 - Doug's Background,
Doug talks about being a muralist, artist, designer, and marathon runner. He reflects on his start as a tiny advertising agency and how his strengths have always been in design and fine art.

00:08:13 - Designing the Waterton Park Center,
Doug discusses the collaborative process of designing the Waterton Park Center with his team, including architects and First Nations liaisons. He emphasizes the importance of integrating both indigenous and Eurocentric views in the design.

00:11:20 - Art as Communication,
Doug highlights the role of art in making people aware of things they may not have thought of before and expanding their appreciation for nature and each other. He emphasizes the power of hand-done human touch painted experiences compared to text or photography.

00:14:19 - Business and Collaboration,
Doug talks about the necessary collaborative aspect of being a fine artist and emphasizes the importance of saying yes to opportunities and being willing to jump off a cliff as an entrepreneur. He also reflects on the iterative process of refining designs with clients and his team.

00:15:24 - Finding Joy in Art,
Doug discusses his passion for painting and how opportunities tend to bring more opportunities. He shares how he and his wife lived a humble life to pursue his passion and how he always did his best to deliver quality work.

00:17:05 - Pursuing Quality Over Profit,
Doug talks about his company, Metrographics, and how they prioritize quality over profit. He shares how they try to learn from each project and use it as a sales opportunity for the next one.

00:19:19 - Taking Advantage of Opportunities,
Doug shares a story of how he got a big break in his painting career through an opportunity that came his way. He believes that luck is where opportunity meets action and advises people to always say yes to opportunities.

00:21:11 - Painting Calgary's Largest Mural,
Doug talks about his experience painting Calgary's largest mural at the Petroleum Club. He shares how he snuck in his family members into the mural and how he had to work hard to finish it in time for Stampede.

00:26:15 - The Natural Spaces of Calgary,
When asked about hidden gems in Calgary, Doug recommends exploring the city's outdoor trails and natural spaces. He advises young artists to follow their passion and do what they enjoy doing without worrying about making money.




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