As we celebrate Emoji Day, we embark on a journey to explore the origins, evolution, and significance of emojis in our daily lives.
We understand that emojis have become an integral part of modern communication. From conveying laughter to expressing affection, emojis have transformed our digital conversations. It all started with Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese artist who created the first emojis in the late ’90s. Apple played a crucial role in popularizing them by introducing the official emoji keyboard to iOS in 2011.
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital communication, few elements have made as profound an impact as emojis. These small, colourful symbols have transcended mere pixels on a screen to become a universal language of expression.
Imagine a world where words alone struggled to capture the depth of our emotions, where text messages felt incomplete without a dash of visual flair. This is precisely the world that emojis have not only entered but revolutionized. They’ve transformed our textual interactions from static exchanges to dynamic conversations filled with nuance and personality.
But how did these charming icons come to be, and what role have they played in shaping modern communication? Our exploration begins with the ingenious mind of Shigetaka Kurita, a Japanese artist who laid the foundation for what we now know as emojis back in the late ’90s. Kurita’s vision gave birth to a visual language that transcends borders and transcends linguistic barriers.
At Matrix Internet, emojis are ubiquitous in both our professional emails and personal chats. Here, we’ll share some of our team’s favourite emojis and why they love them:
Kathy Cahill – Finance
A fun note about Kathy: besides working in one of the most serious areas of the company, she’s also one of the most interesting people around here, with her art expositions and great stories to tell.
“I’m more of a gif girl myself, but I usually use weird emojis. I like volcanoes and fireworks for some reason”.
Richard Domegan – Operations Manager
Richard is a man of few words. So, instead of explaining his favourite emoji, he will leave it here for your imagination.
Tomas, as opposed to Richard, has deep thoughts on the meaning of his favourite emoji. Do you remember the old days of ICQ?
“I have a favourite emoji, which comes from a chatting platform rarely used these days – ICQ.
It flew under the tag of *tired*, but its suggestive visual meaning far outreached its narrow label. Look how beautifully sarcastic it is. It should probably come with a little caption saying ‘Seriously?’”
Jeff is a wise man. As well as his choice of a favourite emoji, we also received detailed explanations on why did he chose each one of them and even a small reminder that a chipmunk symbol can lose you a court case. How cool is that?
“As a natural optimist, I think that everything works out well, which explains my most commonly used emoji”
Jade also chose a series of emojis to express her daily emotions. Amongst her choices, here is a good one on the importance to take care of yourself.
“Love the nail paint one, perfect for getting ready for a night out or just treating yourself”.
Apart from being one of the youngest members of our team (in age since he’s been with us for the last six years!), Iñaki pictures himself as an old fella. Who would imagine such a thing?
“I’m an old man, mostly don’t use emojis. If I have to use one it would be the laughter one”
To finish it, my favourite emoji is also a curious one. After Apple released its more diverse set of emojis, back in 2015, I noticed that, while working on my MacBook Pro, I would probably look a bit like this.
It became my signature while chatting about anything. I use it to finish conversations or to tell people that I’m working on it (whenever talking about projects).
What about you? What’s your favourite emoji? How do you use it to express yourself?
In conclusion, as we celebrate the universal language of emojis on this Emoji Day, we’re reminded of the fascinating journey that brought these tiny icons into our lives. From the creative genius of Shigetaka Kurita to the innovation of tech giants like Apple, emojis have evolved into a vibrant and essential part of our daily conversations.
Our team at Matrix Internet has shared their favourite emojis, each reflecting a unique personality and perspective. These small digital expressions allow us to convey emotions, humor, and even sarcasm in the fast-paced world of online communication.
But beyond the fun and whimsy, emojis serve a practical purpose. They enhance our written words, making them more expressive and relatable. They bridge language barriers and add a touch of humanity to our digital interactions.
So, whether you’re sending a heartfelt message, cracking a joke, or simply brightening someone’s day with a friendly emoji, remember that these tiny icons have the power to convey a world of emotions and sentiments.
As a full digital agency, we understand the importance of effective communication in the digital realm, emojis included. If you have any digital needs, whether it’s a project, a company inquiry, or simply a desire to connect, we’re here to assist you.
Happy Emoji Day, and may your future digital conversations be as colourful and expressive as the emojis that adorn them!
By Jeff Sheridan
By Matrix Internet