Harvey Ross Ball: The Man behind the Smiley Face

You’ve used it in your chats/SMS. You’ve seen it on bumper stickers. Yes, I’m talking about that iconic yellow Smiley Face. Widely regarded as the international symbol of joy, optimism and positivity, the smiley face is one of the most recognizable and ubiquitous icons in the world. Did you know that the creative mind behind the smiley face is Harvey Ross Ball, an American graphic artist?

Ball was born in Worcester in 1921 and raised by his parents Ernest G. Ball and Kitty Ross Ball. He showed an artist’s eye early on and visualized a career using his artistic talents. After graduating from Worcester South High School, he became an apprentice to a local sign painter before eventually studying fine arts at the Worcester Art Museum School. However, World War II intervened so he was enlisted in the army. He served in the National Guard for 27 years. He retired as a Brigadier General in 1973 and then served six years in the Army Reserves. He retired as a full colonel in 1979.

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