Pickens County Courier graphic artist Emily Wright receives plaques for her 2013 South Carolina Press Association first-place awards last week from SCPA president Bill Rogers.

PICKENS — The Pickens County Courier and the South Carolina Press Association are pleased to announce that Pickens Courier Graphic Artist Emily Wright was recently honored with 16 awards in the SCPA’s annual Palmy awards.

Wright’s unique talent earned her four first-place awards, seven second-place awards and five third-place finishes in the annual S.C. Press Association advertising contest. Wright’s entries were judged by press members from other states around the nation. She was competing against all other newspapers in South Carolina.

“I am extremely proud of the work that Emily produces for our advertisers,” Courier Publisher Rocky Nimmons said. “We are a small, locally owned newspaper, but Emily’s work takes a backseat to no paper, big or small, across South Carolina. She always produces the best possible work for each and every one of our customers.”

Wright’s work covered a vast array of categories in the contest. Her ability to convey customers’ messages through print media in an innovative and personal way drives customers to local businesses.

“Emily does an awesome job,” Courier Advertising Director Mignonne Matheson said. “I am so glad that the South Carolina Press Association Palmy Awards recognized her for her incredible work.”

Wright has been in the newspaper business since 2006 and was a founding member on the Courier’s original staff when it was started in 2007. She has headed up the graphics department at the newspaper since the very first issues.

“I am shocked and stunned that I was able to earn so many awards in this year’s contest,” Wright said. “It makes me feel really good that I have been able to earn these awards and the respect of my peers in the newspaper industry.

“I am so amazed that what started as doodles on birthday cards as a child for my parents has turned into such a way of life for me. Not many people can say they love what they do and make a career of it.”

“I am glad that our advertisers get noticed by the work I do for them. That is a wonderful feeling to know that in some small way I contribute to their success in Pickens County. I am so pleased with the large number of awards received this year, but in no way am I content, and I will continue to strive to build and create the best advertisements for all our loyal customers and future customer.”

Wright lives in Dacusville with her husband, David. She has an associate’s degree in art, focusing on graphic design, from Greenville Technical College. She is currently completing her web design certificate and is the webmaster for the Courier’s website www.yourpickenscounty.com. She enjoys all forms of artwork and offers graphic services including flyers, invitations, photo restoration and logos through her website at www.thewrightwaydesign.com.

Wright’s awards include: Real Estate — first place — C. Dan Joyner; Cultural Entertainment — first place — Court Street Gallery; Use of Process Color — first place — Amber Island Tattoo; Automotive, 1/2 page or greater — first place — Benson Ford; Use of Advertising for Non-Profit Community Service — second place — Walmart; Use of Humor — second place — Family & Cosmetic Dentistry; Automotive, 1/2 page or greater — second place — Benson Ford; Special Section — second place — The Courier’s Great Outdoors; Small Space Ad, less than 1/4 page — second place — Cornell Dubilier; Merchant Group/Sig Page — second place — Breast Cancer Awareness; Health Services — second place — The Foothills Retirement Community; Fashion — third place — Something Special; Newspaper Promotion — third place — Pickens County Courier; Merchant Group/Sig Page — third place — Hunting & Fishing; Furniture or Office Furnishings — third place — The Avocado Tree; and Use of Humor — third place — Albertson’s Enterprise.