Welcome to the forum.
I started OC'ing on my 18th birthday in Reno, over 4 years ago. It was over 8 months before I had any negative interaction with law enforcement. Unfortunately, many police hate guns, hate young people, and are totally ignorant of laws of all types, but especially gun laws. But police don't make the laws and their opinions don't count. If you open carry, you can count on being harassed by police sooner or later. They'll usually only detain you for about 15-45 minutes. Know the law up and down, and while they are fishing for any excuse they can find to cite you for a crime make sure you don't admit to anything illegal. You can also count on some stores telling you to leave, although in my experience, that is the exception rather than the rule. Those things didn't discourage me from open carrying.
I typically carry a 4" barrel L frame stainless steel revolver, and that usually stands out pretty well, but most people either don't notice or don't care. However, if you look nervous and fidgety, it is my opinion that those types of emotions are contagious and you will make others notice you a lot more. If you look confident, it is much better. If you walk around like you belong, people are much less likely to think you are out of place. Be prepared to answer questions as many people are likely to ask you questions about what the law is, what you are carrying, and why you are carrying. I by far got way more positive response out of almost everybody including store clerks than I got negative responses. The only exception are the police, many of whom think that they are the only ones entitled to wear a gun. That said, most of the time I walked past police, they did not react, or if they did react, it was only a stare. I think its the minority of police who take it upon themselves to harass people with guns, but unfortunately, those police are probably the only ones you will ever have to talk to.
I think it is also necessary to be respectful when open carrying, as you will stand out much more. Also it is necessary to be extremely aware of your surroundings at all times.
Personally, I think open carry is far better than being disarmed, and even now that I have my concealed firearm permit, I still prefer to open carry when I can. Every now and then though, be prepared to be inconvenienced.