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

Chiharu Schaffer

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

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

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Language

English
Fluent
Japanese
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at Freelance & Academic Projects
January 1, 2021 - Present
Design 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 - Present
Designed 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, 2024
Designed 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 - Present
Created 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, 2013
Designed 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 - Present
Created 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, 2026
Diploma in Visual & Digital Arts (Honours) at Humber College
January 1, 2011 - February 11, 2026
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies at Kyoritsu Women's University
January 1, 2004 - February 11, 2026
Certificate of Achievement (Honours) in Graphic Design for Print and Web at Humber College
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2025
Visual & Digital Arts Diploma (Honours) at Humber College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Bachelor of Arts, International Studies at Kyoritsu Women's University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Certificate of Achievement (Honors) - Graphic Design for Print and Web at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Visual and Digital Arts Diploma (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
BA in International Studies at Kyoritsu Women’s University – Tokyo, Japan
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004
Certificate of Achievement (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2025
Visual and Digital Arts Diploma (Honors) at Humber Polytechnic – Toronto, ON
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
BA in International Studies at Kyoritsu Women’s University – Tokyo, Japan
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Digital Accessibility Awareness (AODA)
January 11, 2030 - February 11, 2026
Micro-Credentials
November 1, 2025 - February 11, 2026
Digital Accessibility Awareness (AODA)
January 11, 2030 - February 26, 2026
Accessible Design 101 – Humber College Continuing Professional Learning
January 11, 2030 - February 26, 2026
Micro-Credentials
November 1, 2025 - February 26, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Healthcare
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