" You think, ‘You hired me because I’m a creative artist with a vision. Don’t try and knock it out of me.’ "
- Sam Taylor-Johnson

The quote suggests that artists often feel a sense of independence when they are trusted with their unique creative vision by their employers or patrons. It implies that these individuals believe their creativity and artistic expression should be respected and allowed to flourish without interference.

On a deeper level, the statement reflects broader themes within the arts about respecting individuality and allowing creative freedom to thrive. When people invest in an artist's work, they are essentially betting on the artist’s unique perspective and innovative ideas. This quote encourages those who support artists to maintain this trust by not imposing their own views or trying to control the direction of the art. It also serves as a reminder for artists themselves to hold firm to their creative integrity and resist external pressures that might dilute or alter their original vision.

The quote is attributed to Sam Taylor-Johnson, an English filmmaker and photographer known for her provocative and thought-provoking work in various artistic mediums. Her statement underscores the importance of preserving creativity and individual expression in the face of potential constraints from those who commission or support artists.