Tristin Cole

Legacy in Every Frame: Tristin Roesch Cole Celebrates 30 Years in Animation

In the world of animation, where artistry and storytelling meet in every brushstroke, few names resonate with the quiet power and consistency of Tristin Roesch Cole. As she celebrates an extraordinary 30-year career in the animation industry, Tristin stands not only as a seasoned professional and respected background painter, but as part of a legacy — following in the footsteps of her father, Ronald Roesch, who paved the way with his own celebrated work in the same field.
Together, their names have become synonymous with craft, elegance, and world- building in animation — a rare generational story built one frame at a time.

A Legacy Begins

Tristin grew up immersed in the visual language of animation. Her father, Ronald Roesch, was a background painter whose work helped shape the golden era of hand-drawn animation. In his studio, Tristin 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,” she says. “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.”

30 Years of Artistic Excellence

Tristin Roesch Cole’s career has spanned across major studios, beloved films, and critically acclaimed animated series. Her backgrounds are known for their painterly depth, refined textures, and cinematic storytelling. Whether crafting futuristic cityscapes, quiet interior spaces, or sweeping natural vistas, Tristin’s work consistently adds emotional richness to every frame.

Her ability to adapt — from traditional paint to digital workflows — has kept her at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry, without ever losing the heart of what makes her work so resonant: the human touch.
“There’s a rhythm to good background art,” she explains. “It doesn’t scream for attention, but it supports everything around it. When it’s done right, you feel it more than you see it.”

A Trailblazing Woman in Animation

Entering the animation world in the early '90s, Tristin faced a field that was still male-dominated behind the scenes. Her rise in such an environment speaks volumes about her talent, determination, and professional resilience.
While her artistry commands quiet power, her presence in the industry has been nothing short of impactful. Tristin has earned the respect of peers and collaborators for her unwavering standards, collaborative spirit, and unique ability

to interpret story through space and atmosphere.
“I always knew I had to earn my place,” she reflects. “Not just because I was a woman in animation, but because I was following someone whose work I admired so deeply. I had to find my own voice while honoring where I came from.”

The Roesch Legacy Lives On

Though Tristin’s career has flourished in its own right, she’s never forgotten the roots of her journey — or the artistic influence of her father. In many ways, her work is a continuation of his legacy: a tribute to the timeless artistry of background painting, passed from one generation to the next.

It’s rare to see such continuity in an industry constantly chasing the next big trend. But for Tristin, longevity has come through dedication to craft and an unwavering love for the art form itself.

Looking Forward, Holding True

Thirty years in, Tristin Roesch Cole continues to work on select projects that align with her vision and challenge her creatively. She remains inspired by the interplay of light and form, and still finds joy in the subtle, powerful act of painting spaces that bring animated worlds to life.

“Every scene is a new opportunity,” she says. “Even after all these years, that blank canvas still excites me.”

Tristin’s story is one of artistic integrity, legacy, and quiet strength — a reminder that some of the most powerful contributions to animation come not from the spotlight, but from the brushstrokes that make the story feel real. Here’s to 30 years of extraordinary work — and to the enduring legacy of both Tristin Roesch Cole and the name Roesch in the world of animation.