Did you know that symbols resembling smiley faces have appeared in early cave paintings and ancient coins, but they were not widely recognised as symbols of happiness?

The modern smiley face is often credited to American graphic designer Harvey Ross Ball. In 1963, Ball was commissioned by the State Mutual Life Assurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, to create a happy face to boost employee morale. Ball designed a simple, bright yellow circle with two black dots for eyes and a crescent-shaped mouth. He was paid $45 and did not trademark the design. The smiley face quickly gained popularity, appearing on buttons, posters, and other merchandise, becoming a cultural icon of the 1960s and 1970s, representing peace and happiness during a time of social change.

In 1971, two brothers, Bernard and Murray Spain, capitalised on the smiley face’s popularity by creating a range of products featuring the design. Around the same time, French journalist Franklin Loufrani registered the smiley face for commercial use and started the Smiley Company. He trademarked the symbol and used it in campaigns to signify good news in newspapers. Various legal disputes over the ownership and use of the smiley face followed, most notably involving the Loufrani family, who expanded the Smiley Company into a global brand. They registered the smiley face in over 100 countries, leading to conflicts with other entities using similar designs.

The smiley face saw a resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of the digital age. It became a staple in early computer culture and internet communication, leading to the creation of emoticons and eventually emojis. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, emojis were developed in Japan, further popularising the smiley face and its variations in digital communication. Today, smiley emojis are used globally across various messaging platforms and social media.

The smiley face has become a universal symbol of happiness and positivity. Recognised worldwide, it has been adapted into various forms of art, fashion, and marketing. It remains a powerful symbol in advertising, branding, and pop culture, often representing a sense of nostalgia and simplicity in the digital age. Its journey through legal battles, commercialisation, and digital adaptation underscores its enduring appeal and versatility.