Harvey Ball
Illustrator who created the smiley face

Born
July 10th, 1921
104 years ago
Died
April 12th, 2001
24 years ago — 79 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United States
Links & References
An American illustrator created the smiley face in 1963 as part of a campaign to improve morale at an insurance company. The design quickly gained popularity and became a cultural icon. The simple and recognizable image has appeared in various forms over the decades, becoming a symbol of happiness and positivity. Ball also founded a company that promoted this icon and its various adaptations in merchandise, further embedding the smiley face into popular culture.
Created the smiley face in 1963
Founded a company promoting the smiley icon
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