This might be one of those things that is hard to define, but you know it when you see it!
I usually design my own patterns, but even so, I don't yet consider myself an artist. Being a quilt artist is something I aspire to, and am still a few projects away from achieving!
I do believe that being an artist involves both creativity and technical skill. One must conquer the technical aspects in order to fully execute one's vision.
Just my opinion! I'm a happy crafter until I morph like a butterfly into the artist I hope to be!