Owens Finds Her Passion in the Commercial Art Program at PTC
Emily Owens, a Piedmont Technical College senior from Greenwood, says she was unaware of all the opportunities at her hometown college. At PTC, she found direction and a major she loves, commercial art, focusing on advertising design and photography.
As one of PTC’s Presidential Ambassadors, Owens likes nothing more than telling prospective students about what the college and the commercial art program have to offer. Ambassadors represent the college at events such as graduations, new student orientations, and tours of campus.
“I’m very passionate about PTC,” says Owens. “It has changed my life.”
When talking to prospective students or parents, Owens is always ready to discuss the commercial art program. “I tell them to not underestimate our program,” says Owens. “Our professors push us hard. If you come in ready to learn, they will help you succeed.”
Owens loves the creative nature of the program but also the practical, career-focused side. “Professors are keen on making sure we are exposed to every aspect of the business and to many career paths,” she said.
She also likes that class projects are purpose-driven and that many classes have a final concours exhibition or competition judged by people in the industry. “We’re encouraged to go all out on these concours assignments," she said. "The competition motivated me and validated that my work was good enough to be judged as winning by professionals.”
When Owens graduates in August, she’ll have six concours awards and many other practical experiences, including two internships. She interned for Discover Greenwood, helping to set up for the SC Festival of Flowers and Festival of Discovery and creating marketing materials, including logos, for the Ninety Six Historical Society and the Friends of Ninety Six National Historic Site. She is currently an intern/work-study student at PTC.
She is a member of Kappa Pi International Art Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa. This spring, she was honored with PTC’s Distinguished Student Award for Commercial Art and the Divisional Distinguished Student Award. Her hard work and dedication also earned her a student spotlight by the Greenwood Promise educational initiative. She was also profiled as part of Sage Automotive Interiors’ Creative Careers Studio video series in collaboration with SC Future Makers and the South Carolina Arts Commission.
To learn more about PTC’s Commercial Art program visit www.ptc.edu/commercialart.