Robert Ariail was the editorial cartoonist for The State newspaper from 1984 until he was laid-off in 2009. He now works for the Spartanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal and his work continues to be published in over 600 newspapers through Universal Uclick and United Features Syndicate. Robert has won numerous awards for his work including: • The Elizabeth O’Neil Verner Governor’s Award for the Arts - 2012 (The annual Verner Awards, established in 1972, are the highest honor the state of South Carolina presents in the arts.) • The South Carolina Press Association award for cartooning - 2011, 2010, 2007 • The United Nations Ranan Lurie Political Cartoon Award - 2009 ( Ariail is the first American to win this international award from a field of over 1500 entries. He also won an Honorable Mention - Citation for Excellence in 2011 and 2010.) • The Society of Professional Journalists’ Green Eyeshade Award - 2007, 2004, 2001, 1997, 1991 ( Ariail has also won over a dozen second and third place awards in this 11 state Southeastern regional competition.) • The Overseas Press Club’s Thomas Nast Award - 1997 ( He’s also won a second place, a third place and an honorable mention.) • The National Society of Professional Journalists’ Sigma Delta Chi Award - 1992 • The National Headliner Award - 1990 ( He’s also won a second place and a third place.) • Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize - 2000 and 1995 Ariail is a Columbia, S.C. native and University of South Carolina graduate. In 1985 he was given the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University. In 1992 Ariail was honored with the Ambrose Hampton Award for distinguished service to The State. He appeared in and drew cartoons for Hemdale Motion Picture’s The Boyfriend School filmed in Charleston, S.C. in 1990. Ariail has published three collections of cartoons. The most recent, Ariail!!!, was Columbia’s best selling book in 2001. Robert Ariail is a popular speaker throughout South Carolina and lends his time and talent to many community and charitable organizations. Most recently, he served two terms on the executive board of The Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County. Robert and his wife and their 17 year old daughter live in historic Camden, S.C. See more of Robert’s work at robertariail.com. E-mail him at robert@robertariail.com.
2012 Robert Ariail
Robert Ariail / Spartanburg Herald-Journal