Who Invented the Smiley Face? Discover the Not-So-Smiley History of the Graphic Yellow Icon
The iconic yellow smiley face—with its perfect circle, two oval eyes, and a large, upturned semi-circular mouth—is immediately recognizable worldwide as the symbol of happiness. However, the story behind the graphic motif isn’t as cheerful as you might expect. Who Invented the Smiley Face? The classic smiley dates back to 1963 in Worcester, Massachusetts, when graphic designer Harvey Ball was commissioned by State Mutual Life Assurance Company to create an image to boost staff morale.












































































