Silachan wrote:
. . . I kind of want to try face painting at events, to try and express some of my art and at the same time make some people happy with it. . .
This reminds me of tabling at political event and of working at H&R Block. You have a medium interaction with a real live person. It matters. I put energy into it. I notice what works and what doesn't and I adjust.
In fact, the only fly in the ointment, some co-workers think I am too focused on the customer, I think sometimes jealous that I do well with the customer. Generally, just let this be, let them be jealous, give them the space to be whatever they need to be. Sometimes, in a light way, after a customer leaves, pull a co-worker into an interesting part about the coversation with the customer at the end, in a respectful way.
All in all, I try and have a light touch. And often it works. I think this is the middle, most probable to work approach, and then I can make adjustments from there.
PS And I'm glad you have interesting friends from earlier school times, and I'm glad they find 'different' people interesting and worth getting to know.