We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tristin Cole. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Tristin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, something outside of work that’s been bringing me a lot of joy is working on a graphic novel about the LA fires, told through the perspective of southern California sea life. The idea was sparked by a recent, unforgettable experience I had swimming with humpback whales in the southern hemisphere. Being in the water with such sentient, majestic creatures gave me a new perspective on the natural world and our impact on it. I felt inspired to imagine how the whales, dolphins, and other marine life just off our coast are affected by the chaos unfolding on land. It’s a creative outlet that lets me combine storytelling art, and my interest in environmental themes. It’s been fulfilling to explore these underwater voices and use them to reflect on the resilience of nature and the impact of human activity. The project feels both deeply personal and creatively liberating.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Growing up in a creative environment, I was deeply influenced by my father, Ronald Roesch, a background artist for Hanna-Barbera. This early exposure to the animation industry ignited my passion for art and storytelling. I have since carved out my own niche in the animation world, contributing to renowned projects such as Batman: Caped Crusader, Scooby-Doo, and Spongebob Squarepants, just to name a few. My expertise lies in background painting, lighting concepts, and color design, bringing vibrant worlds to life on screen.
Beyond my animation career, I am a dedicated yoga instructor and certified sound healer. I integrate my artistic sensibilities in my wellness practices, and offer immersive experiences that combine movement, meditation, and sound. I regularly lead sound healing sessions where I play singing bowls and other instruments to facilitate relaxation and inner peace. One of my favorite things to do is teach meditative art classes!
My love for the ocean and deep respect for whales and nature influence both my artistic creations and my healing practices. I draw inspiration from the grace and wisdom of the majestic creatures, and my connection to marine life underscores a broader commitment to environmental consciousness and the healing power of nature.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Surreal moments like swimming alongside humpback whales – where time seems to slow and the vastness of life becomes humbling – have deeply influenced how I perceive the world, reminding me of the quiet, majestic beauty that exists beyond the everyday. Coupled with working in the imaginative field of animation, where creativity breathes life into the impossible, these experiences have reshaped my vision to notice wonder in the smallest details. They’ve taught me to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be – layered with meaning, possibility, and magic – allowing me to find beauty in places others might overlook.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Facing the fear of the unknown has been one of the most challenging and transformative parts of my journey. There were moments when the path ahead felt unclear, and doubt threatened to hold me back – but I learned that growth lives in uncertainty. By choosing to trust the process, even when I couldn’t see the outcome, I discovered a quiet strength within myself. Each step forward, no matter how uncertain, became a lesson in resilience. Over time, I began to believe in my own ability to navigate the unknown, to adapt, and to create meaning from every experience. Through it all, I’ve found that maintaining good vibrations and staying positive is key – it’s the energy that keeps me grounded, open, and aligned with the possibilities life has to offer.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I hold a deep belief that we are all connected – each of us part of the greater whole, intertwined with each other, with nature, and with the generations yet to come. This belief fuels a lifelong initiative that I am committed to, no matter where it takes me: to help make this world a better, more compassionate place. It’s a promise to tread lightly on this planet, to respect and protect the natural world, and to live in truth. I strive to lead consciously by example, knowing that real change begins with our own actions. Above all, I believe in treating every living being with benevolence and love – the highest vibration of all – because kindness, when rippled outward, can transform everything.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
As I celebrate an extraordinary 30-year career in the animation industry, I stand out not only as a seasoned professional and respected background painter, but as part of a legacy – following in the footsteps of my father, Ronald Roesch, who paved the way with his own celebrated work in the same field. Ours is a rare generational story built one frame at a time.
I grew up immersed in the visual language of animation. My father was an artist whose work helped shape the golden era of hand-drawn animation. In his studio, I found not only inspiration, but direction – learning the unspoken art of composition, light, and mood simply by watching him bring worlds to life. I didn’t just inherit a love for painting, I inherited a deep respect for the discipline and detail it takes to do this work well. My father never treated it like a job. It was his calling, and eventually it became mine too.
My career has spanned across major studios and acclaimed animated series, and my ability to adapt – from traditional to digital workflows – has kept me at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry without ever losing the heart of what makes my art so resonant: the human touch. Though my career has flourished in its own right, I’ve never forgotten the roots of my journey – or the artistic influence of my father. In many ways, my work is a continuation of his legacy: a tribute to the timeless artistry of painting, passed from one generation to the next. I continue to work on select projects that align with my vision and that challenge me creatively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tristincoleart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kynd_designs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristinpaintsalot/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SonicJourneys111
Image Credits
Tristin Cole
