I don't think requests are fair. It should be up to the artist to explain how they feel though. I don't like asking for free art because it's very hard to make art and some people live off of it. Assuming they have time to make you something because YOU want it IS very inconsiderate.

I think that you get what you pay for. A lot of artists are professionals, their time is money. If an artist states that they will not take requests because they draw art to make money or don't have the time, they aren't being mean. It would be like going into a clothing store and demanding a free article of clothing. Just because you are a fan, it does not make you entitled to anything. I think it is fine to ask if an artist will do requests if the artist has no specified this, but I also do not think it is respectful or mature to demand art from them, especially after the artist has said no.

On the same side, I do not think it is acceptable behavior if an artist does take requests for the recipient to badger the artist for not finishing their free art faster or demanding they fix something. It is a free piece of art that that person was kind enough to gift you with, you have no right to complain. However, if an artist has not mentioned that they do not do free art, I also think it is very rude for that artist to verbally attack or be rude to someone asking if they would take a request.

If the artist doesnt mind doing requests, then I don't see the problem in asking.

As for me, I much prefer trades when I have time. I don't care what anyone's art style is, and we both get something out of it. ^ ^

Though, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a little annoyed when people ask for free art, but only if they are inconsiderate about the way they ask like...

"Here's my character, could you draw it for me?
I want it to be in a clown outfit on the beach while having sex with an elephant. Oh, and he is an angel/demon/every-other-animal-in-the-world-hybrid."

And they dont even say please or thank you. =/

Also, another thing that bugs me is when it's free, and they keep asking you to change something or add something. It's a free picture, don't be picky, you know?

Sorry, I ranted... . _.

Long comment short, I myself am not too fond of requests.

I personally don't like to ask for free art. Mostly because I don't feel its completely right especially if I know the person is really busy.

That's why I only ever inquire if they post a journal for like freebie stuff as just practice/because they are bored. Even then it is only from my friends.

I think asking is acceptable ONLY if they post on their profile that they welcome requests. Otherwise it's incredibly rude, especially if it is an artist with clearly listed commission information and you know that they do art to make a living.
If an artist offers it as a once in a blue moon deal like in a journal, if I'm early enough to the game I'll jump in, but if it's an eternity-long list, I just leave it be.

i use to do requests to expand what i would draw... sadly i got requests for the same shit over and over... so i had to close them. but my opinion is: if they offer it its fine (i dont know why they would but hay i did XP) but never ask them for a free bee

iI the artist states in his profile or journal that he's open for requests, then sure.
But if someone just asks out of nowhere, not knowing if the artist even does requests, is pretty rude, and saying that an artist is mean because they don't do requests is just imature, not to mention stupid.

asking never hurts, I guess. if they say yes is an entirely different thing, and as long as the requester shuts up then there is no love lost.
I've heard some go really mean and entitled and come up with the crudest reasons why the artist should give free art to THEM and nobody else, but really, block them good and get on with your day.

personally I never go out and ask for free art, unless at a con and with a sketchbook in my hand... because others do it, too, and nobody seems to mind.
then again I know most of those who do that personally for some time now, so it's not like some complete stranger approaching across the internet.
outside of cons I rarely say yes to requests. I have too many personal projects and comissions, and not enough free time. why donate of that time to someone I've never heard of before, and will never hear from again?

if an artist offers, I might ask, but even then I do that on very rare occasions only. I tend to ask for art with money in my hand, rather, since someone will then dedicate their time, stuff and skills and talent to my petty desires. there should be at least a hint of recompensation... in my opinion.