Available to hire
Hello, my name is Chiharu Schaffer, a graphic designer and visual artist blending Japanese influence with Eastern and Western design sensibilities, guided by Swiss modernist principles. Trained in Japanese calligraphy, my practice emphasizes flow, form, mindfulness, and rhythm, bringing a sense of presence to each piece.
I aim to capture moments of beauty and complexity found in nature and imagination, creating work for viewers that invites reflection and discovery. I collaborate with diverse communities and organizations to communicate accessibly and responsively.
My Portfolio: chiharuschaffer.com
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Japanese
Fluent
Work Experience
Graphic Designer at Freelance & Academic Projects
January 1, 2021 - PresentDesign digital marketing assets including infographics, social media graphics, brochures, product-style sheets, and presentations. Translate complex content into clear, structured visuals for non-technical audiences. Applied UI and color best practices to support web and product graphics. Maintained brand consistency across digital and print materials. Designed with accessibility in mind, emphasizing readability, contrast, and hierarchy.
Graphic Designer at Freelance & Academic Projects (Ontario, Canada)
January 1, 2021 - PresentDesigned digital marketing assets including infographics, social media graphics, brochures, product-style sheets, and presentations. Translated complex content into clear, structured visuals for non-technical audiences. Applied UI and color best practices to support web and product-related designs. Maintained brand consistency across digital and print materials. Designed with accessibility in mind, focusing on readability, contrast, and hierarchy.
Graphic Designer & Program Coordinator at Japanese Medical Support Network in Canada
June 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024Designed accessible and branded workshop visuals, PowerPoint decks, and promotional assets. Collaborated with community groups to ensure readability and inclusive communication. Helped translate and format dementia-related materials from Japanese into English.
Freelance Graphic Designer (Ongoing) at Independent / Freelance
May 1, 2025 - PresentCreated presentation decks and visual branding for nonprofits and cultural organizations. Designed bilingual communication materials and templates for education and health programs.
Designer/Illustrator at TORJA Magazine
August 1, 2011 - June 1, 2013Designed print spreads and illustrated visual columns for a monthly Japanese-Canadian publication. Focused on editorial layout, visual consistency, and reader accessibility.
Freelance Graphic Designer
May 1, 2025 - PresentCreated presentation decks and visual branding for nonprofits and cultural organizations. Designed bilingual communication materials and templates for education and health programs.
Education
Certificate of Achievement (Honours) in Graphic Design for Print and Web at Humber College
August 1, 2025 - February 11, 2026Diploma in Visual & Digital Arts (Honours) at Humber College
January 1, 2011 - February 11, 2026Bachelor of Arts, International Studies at Kyoritsu Women's University
January 1, 2004 - February 11, 2026Certificate of Achievement (Honours) in Graphic Design for Print and Web at Humber College
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2025Visual & Digital Arts Diploma (Honours) at Humber College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011Bachelor of Arts, International Studies at Kyoritsu Women's University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004Certificate of Achievement (Honors) - Graphic Design for Print and Web at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025Visual and Digital Arts Diploma (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011BA in International Studies at Kyoritsu Women’s University – Tokyo, Japan
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004Certificate of Achievement (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025Visual and Digital Arts Diploma (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011BA in International Studies at Kyoritsu Women’s University – Tokyo, Japan
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004Qualifications
Digital Accessibility Awareness (AODA)
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026Micro-Credentials
November 1, 2025 - February 11, 2026Digital Accessibility Awareness (AODA)
January 11, 2030 - February 26, 2026Accessible Design 101 – Humber College Continuing Professional Learning
January 11, 2030 - February 26, 2026Micro-Credentials
November 1, 2025 - February 26, 2026Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Healthcare
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