I figured that I'd post a new journal since I haven't posted one in awhile. Today we are going to talk about something I'm sure many of you encounter...

SO. Your work. Whether you are a harsh critic of your artwork/literature or not, we all have to admit that submitting your work to Deviantart or anywhere on the 'net couldn't be possible without you holding a certain amount of pride, otherwise, you wouldn't be posting it, right?

BUT WHAT ABOUT OFFLINE?

For example: I seldom tell my [non-animation enthusiast/videogame nerdy/comic book lover] friends that I like drawing manga, because they wouldn't really understand ("You draw Japanese-style cartoons? Like Pokemon? How old are you again?"). So let's say I'm drawing something in my sketchbook and random friend #1 appears over my shoulder and asks, "Whatcha drawing?"

I immediately hunch over my sketchbook, doing my best to cover its contents with my body and exclaim, "N-nothing! NOTHING AT ALL!"

It's even worse when someone you don't want to know about your hobby finds out that you draw/write/etc. too. Then you run into this little scenario:

Person: What are you doing?
Me: Uh...writing a story.
Person: You wriiiite?
Me: Well...sorta. I particpate in NaNoWriMo, where I have to write 50,000 words in one month. I'm editing a story from last year.
Person: Wow, really? What's it about?
Me: Errrrr...

And then the embarrassment starts. You explain your drawing/writing/whatever and pretty soon every odd obsession or kink of yours is blatantly exposed the second you open your mouth. AND THEN said-person winds up thinking the you're the world's biggest FREAK and gives you this face: It has happened to me soooo many times this year...

So my question is: Have any of you experienced any embarrassment when someone stumbles upon your work/you promoting it? I have a handful of friends that have had small glances at my work, and sometimes it comes up in conversation (say I cancel plans to go to a convention), and then I do my best to change the subject.

TL;DR: You ever get embarrassed of your work IRL?

Other note: WTF is up with the "mood" setting for the journals? I can't switch it off of "Joy". I am not joyous right now, I am tired. Do you hear me, dA? TIRED.