I've considered it a artisan craft.

I've always been fond of the word 'craftsperson.' Implies a mix of artistry and of technical proficiency.

An artist is an artist.

Yes, you may operate equipment, which is also what technicians do.

Yes, you may study or be influenced/inspired by human psychology, which is what psychologists do.

But to consider an artist a technician would be a bad analogy. To consider an artist a psychologist would be a false analogy. Art is not about equipment, art is about human expression and/or the creation of beautiful or interesting things. Nor is art genuinely (in a scientific way) about human psychology. Technology (and designing, operating and installing it) on the other hand is about equipment and getting useful things done.

Both, it is up to the client how much of an artist they let you be, but you always have to be a technician.

At the end of the day a good Sound Designer is what the client want him/her to be. Never forget who pays the bills and always give the client what they want. Technical whizz, creative genius or both!

I don't have an answer that's better than Tim's, but to play devil's advocate - you can always hire people with better chops or ideas, but you can't get anyone else to have the relationship with the client for you.

A GOOD sound designer knows how to achieve their art via the technical process. A sound designer without the technical knowledge to make it happen isn't much good to the project.

I do believe that it is important to be both as having the technical aptitude in this day and age is important but creativity is essential to being a sound designer because you are painting a film with sound and it is important to be emotionally in touch with the film.

Definitely both. Creativity and technical ability are both essential characteristics in our field.

It depends on the person, not the title