I have a problem with talking to new people (mainly artists). I do not want to come off as "another random person" because I know they get enough of them already and have to deal with it. What I mean by this is the fact that many people want to become a friend to someone (again, mainly artists) just to get free art and/or gain popularity from being their friend. I want none of this. I want a legitimate friendship and the ability to ask for advice and/or critique from said artist or friend. That way I can get better at my art as well as help them with anything that I am able to provide since I am an artist (despite the fact that I am not as good as I'd like to be). I realize that famous and well-known artists want to be treated like any other person because, in reality, that is what they are. Just normal people with a high artistic ability. However, because of that ability they are seen as idols and that makes it hard for people to approach them, as I describe here.

Basically, I find it hard to introduce myself because I fear the possible effects of rejection and the first impression. I know its stupid and I should "just say hi", but for me, its not that simple. I may be acting irrational about this but its what I feel. Friendships are a powerful thing to have, but that is only if its an ACTUAL friendship, and not a person trying to reap the benefits of knowing and getting close to someone.