Date of Birth: July 10, 1921
Zodiac Sign: Cancer
Date of Death: April 12, 2001
Biography
Harvey Ball was an American commercial artist who gained worldwide recognition for creating the iconic Smiley Face design in 1963. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, Ball developed a love for drawing at an early age. After serving in World War II, he attended Worcester Art Museum School. His creation of the Smiley Face was initially a simple task for a local insurance company looking to boost employee morale, but it quickly became a global symbol of happiness and positivity. Despite the enormous cultural impact of his creation, Ball did not profit significantly from it, having only been paid $45 for his work. Harvey Ball’s legacy continues through World Smile Day, which he initiated in 1999 to promote acts of kindness and smiles around the world.
5 Interesting Facts about Harvey Ball
1. Harvey Ball created the Smiley Face in just 10 minutes.
2. He was paid only $45 for the creation of the Smiley Face.
3. Ball served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received a Bronze Star.
4. He founded World Smile Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October each year.
5. Ball was a lifelong resident of Worcester, Massachusetts, and was deeply involved in his community.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Harvey Ball
1. “I made a circle with a smile for a mouth on yellow paper, because it was sunshiny and bright.”
2. “Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.”
3. “The smiley face knows no politics, no geography and no religion.”
4. “Smiles are the most important thing you can wear.”
5. “I can only draw what’s in my heart.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Harvey Ball’s highest net worth is not publicly documented, but it is known that he did not profit significantly from the Smiley Face design.
Children
Harvey Ball had four children: Charles Ball, Glenn Ball, Roberta Ball, and Warren Ball.
Relevant Links
1. [Wikipedia: Harvey Ball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Ball
2. [World Smile Day Official Website](https://www.worldsmileday.com/
3. [Biography on History.com](https://www.history.com/topics/art-history/harvey-ball
4. [Harvey Ball on Famous Graphic Designers](https://www.famousgraphicdesigners.org/harvey-ball
