Rocky Nimmons/Courier

Pickens County Courier graphic artist receives awards from South Carolina Press Association president Bill Rogers.

PICKENS — Pickens County Courier graphic artist Emily Wright picked up 10 awards in the South Carolina Press Association’s annual Palmy Advertising Contest.

Wright’s unique talent earned her two first-place awards, two second-place awards, five third-place awards and an honorable mention in this year’s 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 wide range 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 the South Carolina Press Association recognized her for her incredible work again this year.”

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

She has earned more than 60 statewide Palmy awards since 2007.

“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,” Wright said. “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 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 pleased with the number of awards I 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 customers.”

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 www.thewrightwaydesign.com or on Facebook by searching for The Wright Way Designs.

Wright’s awards this year included: Home and Garden Furnishings — third place — Buddy’s Chainsaw; Outdoors/Recreation — third place — Holly Springs Country Store; Automotive, half page or better — first place — Benson Ford; Fashion — third place — Robinson’s Department Store; Jewelry, Florists and Gift Shops — first place — T.C. Bearies; Health Services — third place — The Foothills Retirement Community; Use of Advertising for Non-Profit Community Service — second place — Pickens YMCA; Newspaper Promotion — third place; Series of Ads — second place — Cornell Dubilier; Use of Color — honorable mention — Bleu Voodoo Grill.