Top 10 Coolest Things About Don Draper

Don Draper is the main advertising figure in AMC’s ‘Mad Men,’ a series created by Matthew Weiner and set in the 1960s New York advertising world. The show follows Draper’s personal and professional life, exploring themes of work, who we are, and American consumerism as society and business practices rapidly evolved. Throughout the series, we see his journey through different advertising agencies, his work on big brand campaigns, and significant events in his family life—all reflecting the changing times.

The Constructed Identity

Originally named Richard Whitman, he took on the identity of Lieutenant Donald Draper during the Korean War. After an explosion killed the real Lieutenant Draper, he switched dog tags and returned home using Draper’s name and fabricated past. This secret creates ongoing problems, both legally and in his personal life, particularly when investigations or people from his original life appear.

Korean War Backstory

His experiences during the war shaped who he became and continue to cause him distress. The show reveals his work constructing temporary buildings in the field, as well as the event that led to him being incorrectly released from service. These events later explain his strong reactions to fear, his fondness for the past, and his desire to get away from things – themes that show up in his work and personal life.

Signature Advertising Campaigns

Don’s work includes successful campaigns for well-known brands like Lucky Strike and Kodak. He’s particularly remembered for his Kodak ‘Carousel’ presentation, which presented the slide projector not just as a product, but as a way to cherish memories and evoke feelings. Don also works with major national clients such as Hilton and Hershey, consistently emphasizing storytelling to connect what products do with how they make people feel.

Agency Builder and Partner

Starting as a leading creative at Sterling Cooper, he became a co-founder of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce when a British company tried to take over. Having his name on the agency’s door showed he had both creative control and a financial share in the business as they competed for clients in the car, airline, and consumer product industries. Further company mergers eventually led to the firm becoming Sterling Cooper & Partners, and he continued to lead important advertising campaigns.

Mentorship and Team Dynamics

Don Draper takes Peggy Olson under his wing, helping her grow from a secretary into a successful creative leader by giving her challenging projects and honest advice. He works closely with account managers like Roger Sterling and teams up with art directors, researchers, and those who handle media buying to create complete advertising campaigns. These working relationships highlight the importance of both developing talented people and managing relationships with clients in the creative process.

How He Works

He crafts ideas by first working alone, intensely focused on the initial challenge, then quickly reframing it to connect with real people. He draws inspiration from his own experiences, everyday annoyances, and what’s happening in culture, searching for a central theme or image. He then collaborates with his team, using methods like focus groups, early versions of ads, and different versions of slogans to test and improve his ideas.

Visual Style and Cultural Influence

Costume designer Janie Bryant dressed Don Draper in sleek, 1960s-style suits, skinny ties, and perfectly pressed shirts, complete with pocket squares. This look – along with his clean haircut and simple accessories – quickly became a style inspiration for fashion magazines and menswear stores. Don’s wardrobe helped bring back the tailored, sophisticated look of mid-century New York business attire.

Family Life and Its Storylines

Don Draper’s marriages to Betty and Megan reflect how ideas about home life and career goals were changing at the time. His children, Sally, Bobby, and Gene, experience these shifts in society firsthand. Throughout the series, challenges like divorce, moving, and new ways of raising children happen alongside Don’s professional life and the image he presents to the world.

Vices and Office Culture

Smoking and drinking were common parts of the work environment, fitting with the types of clients many agency employees worked with in the tobacco and alcohol industries. Cocktails at meetings, after-work drinks, and even liquor bottles kept at desks were normal, alongside long hours and client events. These habits demonstrate how business socializing, stress, and a sense of team spirit defined the agency’s culture at the time.

Awards and Lasting Impact

Jon Hamm received widespread praise for his performance, winning several Emmy and Golden Globe awards. His character, Don Draper, is frequently mentioned when people talk about complex, flawed heroes in television. Draper’s famous advertising pitches and speeches are still studied in media and advertising classes today, and his mix of talent, mystery, and strong leadership keeps him relevant in discussions about branding and effective storytelling.

2025-10-16 04:48