The workbook
Prepare a quote and keep the accepted fee, receipts, refunds and remaining balance together.
- Dashboard & Quote Builder
- Commissions & Payments
- Licenses & shared Settings
DIGITAL TOOLKIT · ILLUSTRATED COVER SCENEFOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS & CREATIVE STUDIOS
The Black
Ledger
Commission & licensing toolkit
Keep the business behind your art as considered as the work itself. A connected desk for quotes, commissions, payments and artwork permissions.
XLSXDOCXPDFCSV
Version 1.0 · No macros · Commercial business use
06 linked workbook sheets06 editable project forms15 printable PDF pages04 fictional CSV examples
THE CONTENTS OF YOUR DESK
From the first brief
to the final signature.
Everything is organized around a real commission workflow. Edit the files to suit your studio, then keep each project connected through a unique ID.
The project forms
Give every agreement and handoff a clear place in the project record.
- Brief & quote and scope
- Commission agreement & art license
- Change request & delivery acceptance
The reference shelf
Start with the guide, follow a worked example, and use print copies when you need them.
- Five-page guide & desk checklist
- Nine PDFs with 15 pages total
- Four sample CSVs & toolkit license
LOOK INSIDE THE WORKBOOK
A clearer view of the work.
These are actual workbook previews with fictional example data. The downloadable master starts with empty registers.
ACTUAL FILE PREVIEW
Click a preview to open the full-size image.
100 commission records
100 license schedules
200 payment entries
SCOPE, RIGHTS & DELIVERY
Put the details
on the page.
The editable forms give you a consistent place to record what the client needs, what is included, how changes are handled and which uses of the artwork are permitted.
Work in Word or a compatible editor, or use the matching printable PDFs.
Inspect the commission brief ↗
EDITABLE DOCX + MATCHING PRINT PDFBEFORE YOU BEGIN
A practical toolkit.
Your studio's terms.
The illustrated cover scene is promotional artwork. This purchase contains digital files. No physical book, equipment or standalone illustration pack is included.
Which apps and formats do I need?
Desktop Excel for the XLSX, Word or a compatible editor for the DOCX, and a PDF reader for the US Letter print copies. CSV samples use UTF-8 and manual column mapping. The workbook has no macros or external data connections.
Can I use it for paid client work?
Yes. The toolkit license permits unlimited paid client projects within one business, including its team, and sharing completed forms with the clients involved. Blank toolkit resale and redistribution are excluded. See the included license for full terms.
What should I know about the forms?
The DOCX files were structurally checked, but native Word pagination could not be visually verified for this release. Use the supplied verified PDFs for printing. The agreements are starting documents that need adaptation and local review. The toolkit is not legal, tax or accounting advice, and does not automatically grant artwork rights.
Does it send invoices or take payments?
The workbook records quotes, fees, receipts and refunds. It does not send invoices or process payments. Compare recorded amounts with your actual bank or payment processor records.
THE BLACK LEDGER
Make room for the work.
The complete commission and licensing toolkit.
One ZIP. Your own creative desk.