Getting a sketch vs getting an autograph from a creator?

[Labinnah]

A thought occured to me while reading the 'Autographed Cels' thread. Say you're meeting a creator of a series, one who's done the artwork or character designs or whatever himself. Is it taboo to offer a blank sketchbook page and ask for a quick drawing instead of just getting something signed? And how do you word such a request?

I'm attending Anime Central next month and am really wanting to ask Yasuhiro Nightow for a doodle in my sketchbook rather than getting something autographed. I'm worried about comin across as rude though, there seems to be some odd autograph taboos - someone mentioned trying to get a cel signed by another creator and having it turned down and called 'stolen goods'. Yeesh.

Anyway, anyone who's had experience doin somethin like this, I'd really like to know how it works.

[pixie_princess]

Hi there. The last time I attended A-Cen (2001) there were someone who did rock-paper-scissors to determine if the requestor would win a sketch or not. I can't remember who it was. I'm sure if you ask very nicely, the worst that happens is that they say no. Personally, I'm planning to bring along a sketchpad

[wELCOME cONSUMER]

I think most artists are talented enough to produce a very quick and still decent looking sketch for you and not mind the effort. Just have a few ideas in mind, in case he asks for your request. The worst thing the artist can do is say no and you get a signature instead.

[Belldandy]

You might want to find out what the con policy is on asking guests for a sketch. Con police aside, from what I've heard, Nightow is very nice. He has sketched before for a few of my friends who saw him at Comic Con; he can dash out a quick sketch very fast.