#mastery journal

This month's class is Measuring Design Effectiveness. This month we focused on creating surveys. We were put to the task of choosing a previous project we did in our past months and creating a survey to assess our work. The project that I chose was the Diva’s Benefit Concert Project.

Initially, I thought creating a survey would be simple and an edit or two would yield strong questions. As we began to generate questions I found that I had a hard time coming up with questions. I also realized that my questions were too open and too wordy. After the first GoToMeeting and reviewing everyone’s surveys I found that I was able to edit my questions to be more concise. 

In the end, the results came down to my poor presentation. Some people viewed my Behance site and had a hard time navigating the project. So that told me I had to revisit my Behance page and clean it up so that it can be understood easier.

SWOT:

Strengths: My strength this month was revisiting my survey questions and looking at my classmate's questions for reference. Weakness: My weakness was being too wordy in my questions and using weak questions. I initially held on to weak open questions. Opportunities: The best opportunity this month was being able to do my classmates survey so I can understand personally the strength of each question. It helped me see how my questions needed fixing. Threats: I kept getting consistent positive responses. I shared the survey again to remind people that my survey was still open. I wanted to have at least 8 responses. The more people who take my survey the more likely I can get a broader idea of what needs to be fixed. 

Being willing to see things and create things I have never seen before. Dan Luvisi gave me my childhood icons in a way I didn’t recognize, a real truthful way. May I stretch my interpretations as well. 

When will the madness cease...

Escaping to the pillow, sweet mattress for release...

It drips down slowly... Like a steady stream.

The hue is bright, then turns to dark...

it dries on the surface...

Leaving the marks as their reminders.

Slipping deeper, feeling the comfort,

In what was once an unfamiliar...

Has become like a friend to walk with...

In the constant spiraling that never ends...

The sensual essence of nature, 

 Coming undone.. be put back together, 

A simple flower amongst the greens.. A lone aviary beside the water.. 

Unadorned yet so majestic in all it's mystery.. 

Even within my own dark despair, 

Nature in all its beauty, 

 Comes and goes for all who hear.

My original Mastery goal for this course was to develop a deeper, more strategic understanding of publishing and distribution so I could strengthen the business foundation of my creative work. When I created my PDL Timeline in Month One, I knew I wanted to move beyond simply releasing music and instead learn how to protect my intellectual property, maximize revenue streams, and position my catalog for long‑term opportunities. This course directly supported that intention by breaking down the systems, rights, and industry structures that determine how creative work circulates and earns income.

Throughout the course, I gained clarity on the difference between distribution platforms and publishing administration—two areas that many independent artists mistakenly treat as interchangeable. Understanding mechanical royalties, performance royalties, and the role of PROs helped me see how each composition generates multiple layers of income. Learning about distributors such as DistroKid, TuneCore, CD Baby, and The Orchard also helped me evaluate which platforms align with different artistic and business goals. For example, DistroKid’s model supports frequent releases and simplicity, while TuneCore’s Publishing Administration offers a pathway to global registration and potential sync opportunities. These insights directly connected to my original goal of building a sustainable, rights‑conscious foundation for my work.

One major takeaway from this course is that I now understand the importance of building a professional team around my creative work. As I continue developing EchoChant and expanding into writing and screenwriting, I plan to pursue three types of representation: a songwriting agent, a literary agent, and a screenwriting agent. While the course provided a strong introduction to how agents operate, I know I will need additional guidance to approach each industry properly and professionally. I intend to continue researching best practices, refining my materials, and seeking mentorship so I can navigate these pathways with confidence.

My original goal for the Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution course was to gain a clear and practical understanding of how creative content is published, distributed, and monetized within today’s entertainment industry. I wanted to move beyond the creative side and develop a stronger grasp of the business systems that determine how media reaches audiences, how rights are protected, and how long-term value is created for creators and independent brands. Entering the course, I was especially interested in learning how publishing and distribution decisions affect ownership, revenue, and sustainability.

This goal was met through a combination of structured assignments, in-depth readings, and real-world examples that demonstrated how entertainment media functions in professional markets. The course consistently connected theory to practice by examining distribution platforms, digital aggregators, licensing models, and publishing strategies. Each week added a new layer of understanding, allowing me to see how individual decisions, such as platform selection or contract terms, can significantly influence a project’s success. The course also encouraged critical thinking, which helped me evaluate opportunities more strategically. Engaging in assignments that simulated real-world publishing and distribution scenarios was particularly valuable, as it allowed me to apply concepts in a practical context and see the immediate implications of each decision.

Throughout the course, I learned how distribution and publishing choices directly impact visibility, audience engagement, revenue streams, and intellectual property control. I gained confidence in navigating industry terminology, understanding royalties and licensing agreements, and recognizing the value of aligning creative output with appropriate publishing and distribution strategies. The emphasis on both digital and traditional distribution methods provided a comprehensive perspective on how to maximize reach while maintaining control over content.