Professional Summary
Creative and mission-driven Designer with over 20 years of experience in visual storytelling, brand strategy, and digital and print design. Adept at developing cohesive design systems, enhancing user experiences, and aligning creative direction with organizational goals. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to produce compelling, audience-focused narratives that engage and inform. Passionate about using design to amplify critical voices, improve accessibility, and drive meaningful impact.
Professional Experience
​Jeff Soifer Illustration & Design
Tacoma, WA / Washington, DC
Owner / Illustrator / Designer
January 2013 - Present
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Conceptualized and executed branding, digital content, and print materials for a diverse client base.
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Provided strategic visual guidance, ensuring storytelling aligned with client goals.
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Executed high-level design work, including typography, layout, and brand architecture, to align with client objectives.
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Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
Tacoma, WA
Senior Graphic Designer / Creative Director
Oct. 2015 - Sept. 2023
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Directed a comprehensive brand refresh, developing and implementing robust brand guidelines across all channels.
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Led and mentored a creative team to produce high-impact visual content for campaigns, events, and advocacy initiatives.
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Partnered with leadership to craft visual narratives that increased engagement and strengthened community impact.
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Designed and produced materials spanning digital, print, and environmental branding to support outreach and storytelling.
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School of Industrial Design, Engineering, and Art (IDEA)
Magnet High School, Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma, WA
Adjunct Artist/Teacher, Intro to Graphic Design
Aug. 2017 - June 2018
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Designed and implemented a graphic design curriculum, equipping students with foundational design skills and principles.
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Supported school-wide creative projects, collaborating with educators and students on visual storytelling initiatives.
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Encompass Marketing & Design
Auburn, ME
Co-founder/Creative Partner
Sept. 1999 - Dec 2012
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Built and scaled brand identities for non-profits and advocacy organizations, ensuring alignment with mission-driven storytelling.
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Designed and executed branding initiatives, from visual identity development to comprehensive brand systems for mission-driven organizations.
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Directed multimedia production, including motion, print, and digital design, to create cohesive brand experiences.
Awards and Recognition
DC Arts Center
Accepted to the Sparkplug Artists Collective
Western Association of Chamber Executives
1st Place Video, 1st Place Website, 1st Place Overall Communications Program
Proctor District Art Fest Juried Art Show
Third Place Award, Two-Dimensional Acrylic Painting
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Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce
Small Business, Business Leadership Award
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Maine Public Relations Council
Golden Arrow Award, First Place, Counseling Services Inc., Annual Report
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New England Museum Association
Exhibition Catalogues First Place, Museum L-A Portraits & Voices Catalog
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National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
First Place, Community Organizations, Brochure/Booklet, SeniorsPlus Services Brochure
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Northeastern Economic Developers Association
Literature and Promotions Competition, Excellence Award, Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council Economic Development Brochure, Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments Tourism Map
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Main Street Waterville Art Festival
Harry Faust Memorial Award for Photography
Community Service
Sitar Art Center, Washington, DC:
Teacher, Intro to Block Printing, beginning January, 2025
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Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Design Mid-Atlantic Quarterly Newsletter, The Highlighter, 2025
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Tacoma Area Community Theaters:
Graphic Design, 2013 - 2024
Tacoma Public Library:
Graphic Design, 2017 - 2019
Auburn Public Library, Auburn, ME:
Board of Trustees, 2010 - 2011
Out of the Box Theater, Lewiston, ME:
Founding Member, Board Member, Graphic Designer/Photographer, August, 2008 - 2013
Central Maine Community College, Auburn, ME:
Graphic Communications Advisory Committee, Chair, 2010 - 2011
Park Avenue Elementary School, Auburn, ME:
Parent Teacher Organization Volunteer, 2006 - 2011
Regional Maine Community Theaters:
Designer/Photographer, 2001 - 2011
Stanton Bird Club, Lewiston, ME:
Board Member, 2003 - 2006, Graphic Designer, 2003 - 2011
Core Strengths
Brand Strategy and Development
Identity and Brand Systems
Visual Storytelling
Multichannel Campaign Execution
Cross-Team Collaboration
Typography and Layout
Specialized Skills
Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Rush, Audition)
Figma (familiar with)
Web Management (WordPress, Wix, Weebly)
Microsoft Office 365 (PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint)
Google Docs
Education
BBA, Marketing:
BBA, Marketing: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Undergrad School of Business
JD, American University Washington College of Law, Focus on International Human Rights
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Fine Art and Illustration
Picture Books (Member: SCBWI)
Ukulele
German Language