We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik Arreaga and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m born and raised here in San Diego California. I love my city, San Diego is one of the greatest cities I’ve ever known. Being a comic book illustrator it’s great to live in the city that houses one of the biggest and greatest Comic Cons in the world. San Diego Comic-Con has had the greatest and biggest impact on my career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is heavily influenced by many of the great comic artists of the late 80s and 90s. That was a time when a huge shift in art style was creating a big impact on the industry, that was something that inspired me greatly even to this day. Professionally I owe much of my career to my Comic Convention tours. I’ve been doing convention appearances since the late 90s and although it’s been tough work, it’s giving me some of my best experiences and has been an amazing adventure. I’m looking forward to getting back into shows and doing much more internationally to continue to show the world my art.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love being host to friends when they come and visit San Diego. My city has many great options when it comes to sightseeing and even better the food. Of course the main attractions like Balboa Park, San Diego zoo, old Town and the beaches are always a must when you visit here, but I always get excited to show visitors great independent eateries, coffee shops and breweries, something San Diego is becoming very well known for. Hodads an incredible Hamburger spot, Pappalecco is amazing for Italian desserts, Franco’s Flapjacks is a must for breakfast. San Diego’s art scene is becoming very popular and there are many art galleries and shows to attend with great crowds. a week’s vacation in San Diego can go by very quickly with the amount of activities that can be done here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This interview comes at a great time to recognize someone that’s encouraged me and supported me through my art career. My wife and I are celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary (December), and through all those years we’ve been each other’s Support system. My wife deserves a big shout out!

Website: www.erikarreaga.com
Instagram: Instagram.com/erik_arreaga_art

Image Credits
Photo by Thomas Mathew ArtWork Colors by Gene

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.