Art is your craft. I could see you doing free pieces for friends/family, but not for strangers. It's perfectly fine to ask for compensation for your time and work. If people don't think your art is worth anything, then don't take any of their requests. There are plenty of others who would gladly pay for a commission of your work
Kingleoice
Art takes time for it to show its worth.
CherryLolo
True. Some people don't seem to think my art is worth anything yet. But then, they shouldn't ask me for any... :/