Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tristin Cole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tristin, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

As a kid I loved drawing and painting so much it was a part of life. I not only grew up watching plenty of cartoons, I was around the people that were responsible for making them. I had a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how animation was created, my father, a background painter for Hanna-Barbera. It became my dream to be one of those creators.

I started my animation career at Warner Bros. in 1995. It was an inspiration being surrounded by creative writers, producers, and talented artists. Through hard work and perseverance, I carved out a successful career in color and design, working on many well-loved shows and famous franchises for major companies.

While at WB, I was offered the opportunity to work on some illustrations for DC Comics and Scholastic. I had always loved kid’s books so I jumped at the chance. I set about learning all I could about writing and publishing children’s books. Soon I had a side career writing and illustrating my own books. I love having a creative outlet that gives me the freedom to tell the stories I want to tell, stories that are uplifting and a positive influence on society.

Tristin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an author, illustrator, and animation artist. I have worked as a professional artist for over 27 years as a background painter, designer, and production artist on many popular shows. You can see some of my work such shows as Animaniacs, Scooby-Doo, Batman, Spongebob, and more! I am also a certified yoga teacher and sound bath practitioner. Being an artist / illustrator is a very sedentary job. Getting movement, breathing, and stretching is an essential part of my success as an artist, and I found that yoga is my favorite form of exercise. Not only is it a peaceful practice, I find the meditative state I achieve is similar to the one I experience through my art practice. My book “Into the Night” is the first book in a series of seven books that are currently in the works. Each book varies in color and style, and are based on the universal principles of the chakras. ‘Into the Night’ is about a boy and his dog that go on a dreamlike journey drifting into the sea on a starry night. The book addresses facing the unknown, finding strength by looking within, and connectedness.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I believe that when publishing work for the world to see, one has a responsibility and an opportunity to help raise the vibration for all. Combining the universal principles in yoga with storytelling and color theory I am able to introduce these concepts in a very simple way. My hope is to create uplifting vibrations through my children’s books.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the reasons for writing my first book, and the inspiration for the whole series, was when my kids were forced to homeschool and I was forced to work from home during the start of the pandemic. It was a confusing time for them, and an unknown time for all of us. It felt like we were set adrift and had to rely on faith. Working on my books was my sanctuary, and a positive outlet for me. It was the catalyst for me as an independent artist, and an opportunity to make something good out of it all.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebodhidoodles/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristinpaintsalot/

Image Credits
Jim Stidham Photography