The phrase “If you smile, the world smiles with you,” may sound a bit idealistic, but it’s hard to resist smiling backat a cheerful face—especially the bright yellow, grinning Smiley we all know and love.
Smiley’s story is as simple as its design. In 1963, graphic designer Harvey Ross Ball was hired by an insurance company to create something to boost employee morale. In just 10 minutes, he sketched a yellow circle with black eyes and a wide smile, inspired by the sunny, cheerful vibes of the color yellow. His effort earned him $45 (around $448 today).
The design became a hit on posters and employee buttons, but neither Ball nor the company thought to copyright it. Years later, French journalist Franklin Loufrani officially named it Smiley, trademarked it, and launched The Smiley Company. Today, it’s a global licensing powerhouse, partnering with brands like Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld, earning millions annually from this simple yet timeless design.
