A native of Chicago, Hoffman worked as an illustrator for the Chicago American and eventually served as department head. During his tenor at the newspaper, he studied privately with J Wellington Reynolds.

Hoffman headed West in 1916, he painted while living amongst cowboys and American Indians.

He became acquainted with John Singer Sargent while working as public relations director for Glacier National Park.

Around 1920, Hoffman became affiliated with the art colony at Taos, New Mexico and, in 1928, he set up a ranch two miles outside of Taos.

During his career, Hoffman did illustration work for several major brands including General Electric, Cream of Wheat and the Cuban Tobacco Company. His work also accompanied a number of Western articles by authors including Jack London and Zane Grey.