Illustrators and market
When I was reading a musical article about music market I found this thinking: "many years ago when you started a rock and roll band there was managers, lawyers, recorders, media agents to help you to divulgate your work".
If this phrase defines what is to live from your work to you, you are a employed. If you don't have a business to take care of find clients, show yourself to clients, think of your finances among other needs, you work to a company.
To be in your craft involves more than know work techniques and tools . It involves to know and manage many areas in your life, and this the school do not teaches - your teachers don't know the answer too.
To be a independent or freelance professional is to be a company of yourself - it includes make your advertisements, accountability, prospect clients, study, plan your future...
As a well-suceed ilustrator said, illustration is 10% from your needed skills to be in the market.