
Petr Ellis
Creative and Strategy
Passionate and dynamic creative with over 20 years of experience in branding, design, and storytelling. Petr believes in using design to solve real problems and connect people through thoughtful, clear communication.
Petr was born and raised in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, where he developed a strong appreciation for art and design, shaped by the city’s deep cultural history. He studied visual arts from a young age, which helped form the creative foundation he still draws on today.
In 2000, Petr moved to the United States to attend a theological seminary in Baltimore. After completing his studies, he moved to Massachusetts to pursue a career in the creative field. He co-founded DIF Design, a creative agency in Springfield, MA, that focuses on branding, websites, and strategy. Over the past 20 years, a significant portion of the agency’s work has centered on serving non-profits, support organizations, and municipalities. These partnerships have given Petr deep insight into mission-driven communications, community engagement, and the unique challenges and opportunities in the non-profit space.
Petr is particularly proud of the way he’s been able to use his professional network and skills to support nonprofits that align with his values. He has been intentional about giving his time where he knows it can make a difference, building lasting relationships with organizations that focus on education and development.
Over the years, he has volunteered on boards and committees for several local nonprofits, served as President of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, and was a founding trustee of Springfield Prep Charter School, now celebrating more than ten years in the South End of Springfield.
Petr lives in Feeding Hills, Massachusets and is a father to four wonderful children, who continue to inspire his focus on community, creativity, and growth. He is an avid traveler, a passionate foodie who holds his own in the kitchen, and a collector of tattoos that reflect the chapters of his life and creative path.