Harvey Ball American designer, creator of world famous Smileys Date of Birth: 10.07.1921 Country: USA

Biography of Harvey Ball

Harvey Ball, an American designer and the creator of the widely recognized Smiley Faces, was born on July 10, 1921, in Worcester, Massachusetts. His passion for art developed at a young age and soon became his driving force. While studying at the Worcester Art Museum School, Harvey had the opportunity to learn from talented local artists who taught him various techniques in the field of visual arts.

During World War II, Harvey Ball served in the National Guard in the Asian and Pacific regions. He spent many years in military service and was awarded several honors, including the Bronze Star for his bravery in the battle of Okinawa. In 1979, Ball retired as a colonel and continued his military involvement in the reserves. In recognition of his service, he was honored with the Veteran of the Year award by the Worcester Veterans Council in 1999.

After the war, Ball pursued a career in design. He initially worked for an advertising company before establishing his own firm, Harvey Ball Advertising, in 1959. It was in 1963 that Ball created the iconic Smiley Faces which changed his life forever. In just ten minutes, Ball designed the cheerful symbols with the aim of promoting a positive and friendly atmosphere that would bring smiles and improve productivity.

The Smiley Faces gained immense popularity, with over fifty million sold in 1971 alone. They became widely used not only in the United States but also in other countries. Despite the global success of his invention, Ball did not patent it and received only $45 for his work. Over time, other designers made modifications to the original design.

In 1999, Harvey Ball founded The World Smile Corporation, a company that continued to spread happiness through the use of Smiley Faces. Unfortunately, Ball passed away on April 12, 2001, due to kidney failure. He was laid to rest, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Despite his humble farewell, Harvey Ball left behind a legacy of joy and positivity that continues to inspire people worldwide.