Elffers was educated as a graphic designer at the art academy of Rotterdam. He became a versatile artist, designer, painter, graphic artist, bookbinding designer, sculptor, ceramist and photographer. Elffers won a national typography award for all his work.
In 2008 there was a exposition called the Golden Age containing the highlights of Dutch graphic design. This exhibition had a separate section on Elffers and his designs. This exhibition could be seen in Bucharest, Sofia, Budapest, Madrid and Breda.