Schaffer's art career started with the UK Teachers Union, NASUWT, and from 1995 to 2000 he worked as a political cartoonist for the Career Teacher national newspaper. In 2000 he moved to the music industry where he designed record sleeves, most notably working alongside London drum and bass outfit Jerona Fruits Recordings as their graphic designer. Schaffer then worked as a graphic artist at NUCLEUS FILMS UK. In 2007, Schaffer's comedy/horror screenplay Doghouse was optioned by Carnaby International, to be directed by Jake West.