Local artist showcases art for a decade inside Comic&Con

SAN DIEGO (FOX5/KUSI) — The San Diego Convention Center is jam-packed with comic book enthusiasts, sci-fi lovers and cosplayers.

Tucked away amid dozens of artists from around the world is San Diegan Jose Emroca Flores.

“I am a visual development artist in animation and video games, but this is more my passion project –more of my narrative illustrations,” he said.

His artwork tells stories about the things he loved as a child.

“This is basically me and my sister as little kids and my dad in our Chevy Nova. You know, just kind of a memory of me and my little sister hanging our toys out the window and letting them fly pretty much while our dad was taking us to go eat,” he said.

Flores has had a booth for the past decade and says the opportunity all started with a call.

“I was on a waiting list. They called me at the last minute and they were like, ‘do you want a booth? Do you want a booth?’ and I jumped on it as quickly as possible. I was really not ready when I jumped in, but I just jumped in,” he explained.

He also showed the organizers a presentation of what his booth would encompass. Now he’s showcasing his art and socializing with the crowds.

“I’ve met a lot of great people here. That’s kind of like spring boarded other projects and other opportunities as well,” he said.

He says the prep work for next year will likely start right after this year’s convention wraps—depending on his nine-to-five job.

The convention isn’t just a boost for Flores, it’s a boost for the local economy as a whole.

The convention center reports that Comic-Con brings in approximately $160 million.