I've been asked why I allow full downloads of my art from The Deviant Art Web site.

After many years of trying to make my art into a commercial success, I find that I simply can not break out of the pack. It is not that I am not good. Its the fact that there are so many incredibly talented artist out there that to rise above the mainstream is an incredibly difficult task. Just look at the enormous amount of talent you find on the Deviant Art pages alone.

I have made a living off of it from time to time such as the several years I spent in the computer game industry but even there the onslaught of extremely talented young people has turned job hunting into a dog fight. When you have 5 children to support, you can not afford to be out of work for 6 months at a time. On top of that I have found that when doing commercial work that very often you wind up doing crap that you hate. Brochures and portraits come to mind.

I now make my living in other ways completely. I am a retired Fire Fighter of 22 years and Work in the local level one trauma center as an emergency room tech putting traction splints on broken femurs and holding scalps in place while the Doctor sews.

My Art is now a very private thing that I do for myself and the pleasure of my small number of fans. So if you count yourself amongst that small group then feel free to download and use my work as you like. I'd like a credit but other that no remuneration is expected.

Thanks to all of you and I hope I have and will continue to bring you pleasure.

Sincerely,

Bob Cook