#27: Harvey Ball Creating the Iconic Smiley Face , 1963
In the 1960s, graphic artist Harvey Ball created an iconic symbol that would become universally recognized as the Smiley Face. In 1963, Ball was commissioned to design a simple, positive image to boost the morale of employees at an insurance company. The result was a bright yellow circle with two dots for eyes, a gently curved line for a mouth, and two simple arcs as cheeks.
This simple yet powerful design became known as the Smiley Face. The OG smiley face. Its appeal spread rapidly, representing a universal expression of happiness and positivity. The Smiley Face gained immense popularity and became an iconic symbol of counterculture movements, spreading joy across various mediums, including fashion, art, and advertising.