Jarrett J. Krosoczka: How a boy became an artist

When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was a kid, he didn't play sports, but he loved art. He paints the funny and touching story of a little boy who pursued a simple passion: to draw and write stories. With the help of a supporting cast of family and teachers, our protagonist grew up to become the successful creator of beloved children's book characters, and a vocal advocate for arts education.

TEDTalks is a daily video podcast of the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world's leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more.

[cinnamonflan]

I looked for this TED talk after reading his book, “Hey, Kiddo.” Loved it and went deep into my heart. It was so so nice to hear him talk about his life and grandparents here.

[flomoyo]

I wish more kids could grow up reading books done by people like Jarrett. He just seems like such a great role-model for future generations.

[dylanhaefli]

I’m crying. Like actual tears, crying full on right now. This was an assignment from my art teacher, to watch this video, and as soon as his name came up I thought I recognized him. He started telling some of those anecdotes, and I got this vague sense of familiarity, because I remembered someone telling me those stories when I was young, and specifically the phrase “Forget everything you learned.” I remembered that! He reminded me of this one author that came to my elementary school when I was in fourth or fifth grade. I remember he came to us, and told us about his process, said he was an author and illustrator of children’s books. In the video, when he said he was the author of the lunch lady series and the platypus police squad, I flipped out. I realized then that this was the same guy who had come to my school when I was little! He showed us how to draw the platypuses like how he did in his books. He told us little things, like how he listened to music while he drew, but when he was writing he preferred it quieter. And I remembered how much I wanted to write and draw and create after he talked to us. I went home that weekend and made my own little book, about a very hardworking goldfish who was tired from work so he took the day off to relax with his family. To this day, he was still my favorite public speaker that came to visit us, and I felt like he had helped show me what I might want to do with my life when I was older. I’m a freshman in high school now, and I’ve still got this need to create. I’ve taken to writing stories, making my own art, finding my own style. I guess even though I forgot his name, he helped influence me to be a creator. Currently I want to be a comic author/illustrator of my own stories, and I’ve started screenwriting as a hobby. I know I’ve still got a couple of years to decide what to do with my life, but I think he’s really helped me define what it is I want to do, and seeing this video just reminded me of all of these happy memories that I started crying haha. I think I’ve still got some of those lunch lady books laying around somewhere, too. I think I’ll give them another read. And thanks, Jarrett. Creating art has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life, and I know it sounds sort of dumb to say now, as a teenager, but I sort of want to be like you when I grow up. :)

[treetop]

👋🏾 hehe I know I’m 8-9 years late. But I just got finished reading his book. I’m a 14 year old girl who grew up in the exact same city and state Jarrett grew up in. All places he mentioned from the plaza to his school to even the streets he grew up on I recognized and felt some sort of connection too. It was also cool to see how it looked in his time to how it looks now, )as I pass by places mentioned all the time because I live near the area(a))A friend of mine picked out this book today from our school library and told me about how it was based in Worcester. Rarely do I see anything like it so I was so invested. She let me read it and it was so surreal. Knowing that the he walked the very same steps and passed the very same things I have somehow amazes me. My parents who are immigrants both came to the US around the late 90s early 00s but I have no idea when they set foot in Worcester. His story is truly amazing and so inspiring. Finding out he also wrote one of the series I loved reading in school growing up and being from the exact same place I am just makes me even more motivated to accomplish my dreams. It just goes to show you never know someone’s story. I could have possibly walked pass the next President yesterday and have no idea. Realizing that every single one of us have lives of our own and many look from the outside unable to see from within. I’m not sure if anyone is gonna see this, but if it is seen I just want to encourage you to follow your dreams and not give up. It will happen one day. I promise.




- A Worcester local 14 yr old girl :)

[adeadgirl]

This is one of the most inspiring TED talks i've seen so far. Even more than the Sir Ken Robinson talk. The self belief is really inspiring because it was also so humble.

[impie]

Who came here after reading his book “Hey Kiddo”?

[JustaSmuck]

Here's a shout-out to Mr. Alderson and Mr. Robinson, my high school art teachers. They took a kid with no talent looking for an easy grade and turned him into a kid with no talent but a love for art. Thank you for a gift that has enriched my life.

[sarahweinberg]

This is my favorite TEDtalk. I think I watch it every time I need inspiration.

[olls]

Just finished "Hey, Kiddo!" It is one of the best and easy reads I have read in awhile. Good job Jarrett! Very inspirational

[ambre]

Aucun mots ne seraient assez grand pour vous exprimer ma gratitude

[juanpatino]

Thank you Jarrett, your story life inspired me, I hope in the future to meet you. Best wishes from Ecuador.

[avedic]

He seems like such a genuine cool guy. He deserves all the success he got.

[channelinactive.seewormsqu]

i just finished the book around 3 hours ago, now i'm here

[scienceisknolwedge]

Fuck me, that's an awesome lecture. This is the kind of people we need teaching kids.

[glennwallace]

You are such an inspiration. I loved this TED talk. May you continue to encourage kids to read and use their imaginations. Thank you to your grandparents for supporting your creativity.

[zhangvict]

The profoundness of looking into the self and feeling satisfied

[Kaibakhaab]

My life is similar to this man... my mom and dad were drug addicts so I had to live with my aunt. And in 2020 my mom gave one final argument and left. Just like that, now in 2021 she trying to act all nice and stuff. All I’m gonna say now is, no matter what happens in life. Keep your head up people

[nancymadore]

What a great talk! I enjoyed this so much.

[downeybill]

I love how he gives a shout out to all the people who believed in him and encouraged him.

[akhiljain]

One of the best talks I've ever seen...