I point to Shrek. See how the boots look leather - I make things look like they're created from different materials. See how Shrek moves - I make models move like Shrek does. I still get blank looks, but it's more of a "How the heck?" rather than "What the heck?" Sometimes I just say, "I make pretty pictures" and leave it at that. It is kinda depressing, sometimes, not being able to hold real conversations about my hobbies.