Meaning: This quote by Joan Armatrading, a renowned musician, encapsulates the tension between creative expression and the structured demands of formal education and training. Armatrading, known for her powerful and emotive songwriting, reflects on the shift in her approach to music-making as a result of pursuing a degree. The quote speaks to the struggle of balancing artistic freedom with the rigors of academic or technical requirements.

In the first part of the quote, Armatrading emphasizes her autonomy as a creator, stating, "I've written what and when I want to. It's been about expressing myself." Here, she underscores the importance of personal expression and the freedom to create without external constraints. This sentiment resonates with the romanticized notion of the artist as a free spirit, unencumbered by rules or expectations.

However, Armatrading goes on to acknowledge the impact of pursuing a degree on her creative process, noting, "But with the degree, I had to learn to do everything in a very specific, disciplined way." This statement reveals the tension between artistic instinct and the structured requirements of formal education. The transition from intuitive, self-directed creation to conforming to academic guidelines represents a significant shift for many artists. It can be a challenging adjustment to adapt to the structured approach necessitated by formal education.

Armatrading further emphasizes the impact of this shift by stating, "I am very disciplined, but this demanded a totally different kind of discipline. A real challenge." Here, she highlights the distinction between the inherent discipline of an artist driven by personal passion and the external imposition of academic or technical discipline. This juxtaposition underscores the struggle she faced in reconciling her natural discipline with the new demands placed upon her by her educational pursuits.

Overall, this quote encapsulates the complex interplay between artistic freedom and the structured demands of formal training and education. It speaks to the tension experienced by many artists who must navigate the balance between self-expression and the need to adhere to external standards. Joan Armatrading's reflection offers insight into the challenges and transformations that can accompany the pursuit of formal education in a creative field.

In conclusion, Joan Armatrading's quote poignantly captures the tension between artistic expression and the disciplined demands of formal education. Her experience serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of creativity and the challenges that can arise when navigating the intersection of personal expression and academic or technical requirements. This quote provides valuable insight into the complexities of the creative process and the impact of structured education on individual artistic practices.