Some anime series are created with the clear purpose to please the audience, and they appear dull and repetitive. I wouldn't call them artistic products. Some others are more on the artistic side and they'requite original even when they're about everyday's troubles or not particularly original stories.
About the freedom of the creators: being an anime the result of the work of a staff, it's impossible to have the complete control on it. The creator and the producers usually have to find a way to agree on many points. I'd say working on a manga series gives more freedom to the artist, but not completely as well. If the publishers tells the mangaka to cut part of the story, he has to cut it or to adjust it. Industry and freedom are opposite things
