If I was you I would make normal character for PvE and crafting. Solo char which can craft, fight, fast travel, barter and have slavers for private base. You could lvl up via crafting and do others activities well too.
This.
Also I avoid Small Frame on any high-crafting character because its very very nice to carry more stuff to an advanced workbench solo without using a pack animal. I would also give Endurance 10 to all chars. That includes crafters since they will be targeted by PKs at adv crafting locations.
Go by this rule:
Every single character you build needs to be combat-capable.Crafting a lot? I go with ST 7 fist-fighter and use drugs to get ST 10, plus Heavy Handed. You knock down attackers with Mega Power Fist, and carry more materials back and forth.
I never tag Barter anymore - just read 10 of the Skill Books for that.
High Intelligence: totally your call. I was once a big fan of Educated, but it just doesn't matter much now with no level cap. A combat crafter could have IN 1 and have plenty of Skill Points. Remember: you will be leveling a lot if you craft a lot, so getting 2 bonus Skill Points per level no longer means much.
Perception: If it's going to be 4, then just make it 1 and use those points for EN. PE is reduced by 3 points anyway, if you use Psycho and beer to get the 20% more Damage Resistance, which everyone needs, including adv. crafters.
Bruiser: Slows you down too much. My opinion.
Also: I cringe when i see someone tagging Science or Repair now. Read 10 of each of those Skill Books, and it becomes easy to reach Science/Repair 100. No need to tag something that is near fully optimal at 100. Y'know?