Personal Profile
Where abouts are you from?
I live in Oslo, Norway, with my wife, a dog named Floyd and a cat named Bertil.
What is your technical background and education?
I abandoned my university studies (French, Sociology) to become a self-taught web and database developer.
What inspires you to design watch faces?
After two years and 1 million downloads, I think I have developed an addiction to positive feedback. The fact that a lot of people actually like what I do inspires me to go on and try to make even better watchfaces.
What are some of your hobbies?
eveloping watchfaces has become my main hobby now. And I sometimes practice playing the guitar in my soundproof basement, built after my neighbours specifications. I'm also dragged along as a chauffeur and backer whenever my wife decides to display our dog at some far away dog show.
Odd-Ivar Bergset
Your Brand
When did you create your brand?
I created my brand after I made my first couple of watchfaces in April 2016. At 78°N, midway between continental Norway and the North Pole, you will find Svalbard, an archipelago belonging to Norway. I thought it would be a suitable brand name for arctic made watchfaces. ·
How many watch faces do you have in your collection right now?
I have about 150 watchfaces in my collection, including free and try-and-buy versions. ·
Do you have a particular theme you like to create your designs around? If so, what is it?
I like to experiment, but I mostly make dark watchfaces with some vibrant colored elements. And I guess I have used variations of the compass like design from the Navigator series a few times. ·
What are your top most popular and/or most download watch faces in your collection?
The Navigator series, World Timer and Equalizer watchfaces have had a consistent number of downloads ever since they were first released. Among the newer ones, Nautilus, Stargate and Sport have also done well. ·
What designs are you working on next and when can we expect to see them?
The next one will probably be a Navigator themed retro watchface. It should be out within a week or two so stay tuned! A comics themed watchface is also part of my plans.
Identify all the items you create for the Samsung Galaxy/Gear series: Watch Faces – Apps – Themes
I currently only create watchfaces for the Samsung Galaxy/Gear series. However, I would also like to make Themes for smartphones in the future.
Watch Face Community
Please talk a little about the watch face community and what makes it interesting/special for you?
I have met some really nice people through the watchface community. It's inspiring to talk to customers and other developers and follow them to see what they are doing and what's going on. ·
Why should designers consider developing watch faces?
It's great fun to see your designs come alive and it’s also very rewarding when people show appreciation for your hard work. ·
What are the common pitfalls you see when designers first start out and how should they avoid them?
Trying to make money fast by releasing as many watchfaces as possible in the shortest possible time is not the best strategy. Unless you are a design wizard with super powers, chances are that you will be disappointed when your watchfaces stop selling after a few days. ·.
If you could a new developer one piece of advice, what would it be?
Focus on quality over quantity. Keep an eye on the details and make sure you have made your best possible effort before submitting your watchface. Quality work will lead to more consistent sales. Be patient, it takes time to build a watchface brand. ·
Which developers create watch face designs you really like and that inspire you?
I don't have any particular favorites. A lot of great developers are making really nice watchfaces. I find inspiration in many of them.