About Us

The World's Greatest, LLC (TWG) was founded in 2009 by partners Ed Smith and John Balis, toy and game developers dedicated to making unique, high quality posters, puzzles, and board games for ages 3 and up. All of TWG's products are developed and produced in the United States.
Partnering with internationally renowned illustrator Matt Maley, TWG has developed its first super sized search and discover poster covering the world's existence from the Cambrian period through the 21st century. Packed with thousands of characters and historical events, you will spend hours discovering and learning about interesting individuals who have helped shape the world we live in today.

Matt has been a professional illustrator and graphic designer for 21 years. He began his career in the early 90's as a production artist for Archie Comics in Westchester, NY.
Within a year he was working in New York City as a logo designer and letterer for Marvel Comics. It was during that time that Matt began expanding his resume to include illustrating comic books for Marvel's Disney and Nickelodeon titles.
In 1993 Matt jumped into the world of free-lance where he continued to illustrate licensed and original projects for Disney, Nickelodeon, Children's Television Workshop, and Henson Studios. Matt continued expanding his experience to include storyboards, product illustration and design for the advertising world
Throughout his career, educational driven projects have been a large part of Matt's extensive resume. Whether developing projects for global institutions like Smithsonian or for his own independent ventures, conveying a dynamic storyline through illustration has been Matt's passion.
But out of all of his accomplishments, Matt's greatest achievement to date is The World's Greatest Search & Discover. Twenty-one years of honing his skills as an artist and designer have come together in this exceptional illustration that took thirteen months and over 1200 hours to complete. Matt lives and works in New Paltz, NY with his wife and daughter, their two cats and three chickens.