> If someone else is dictating your craft, you're the tool, not the artist.

I don't get this. When you are commissioned to do work, it is highly unlikely that you are being micromanaged in the technical details. "No. Don't draw this shape. Yes, make that shade lighter."

That's ridiculous. Artist are paid to do their craft.

If that is not your point, then are saying that you can't express yourself in the how you actually do your craft?

It is also interesting to think that working for someone else can be thought of as just another limitation to work around like what medium to use, what palette to use, etc.