I have this same feeling. I never really like drawing around my family (especially my parents) because they don’t understand why I draw anime. When I go to sit and draw I usually get a reference photo from my favorites and use that as I draw. Then occasionally, my parents will come up behind me and ask “What is that? Why are you drawing that?” And it always leaves a sort of empty feeling inside. I wish my family wouldn’t think anime is strange. What I hate even more is that I try to be careful when using reference photos because in my favorites list I have cosplays for reference and yet I’m so cautious because my parents with question me about it. I don’t have anything bad it’s just when I used a cosplay for reference. My family thinks of it as weird cartoons or something. It’s be nice to draw and not have to worry about someone watching me over my shoulder.

Deviant Art has really been the only place I’ve been willing to share my art. I never like to purposefully bring my sketchbook to class and show everyone my best drawings. It’s just in my mind I think that even if I were to show my art, someone will always be better than myself so why should show off my art skills when the person next to me as more experience than myself? Recently though, I think I am starting to be more confident in my art and I’ll show it to certain people but I still try to be humble and avoid being cocky about my art.