Creator Corner: Ella Russell and Illustrator Udayana Lugo

Welcome to Creator Corner, a blog series where we interview the creators of our recent books. For this post, we interviewed Hugs Are (Not) for Everybody author Ella Russell and illustrator Udayana Lugo, whose book published March 18, 2025!

Owlkids Books: Ella, what inspired you to write this story?

Ella Russell: Setting boundaries can sometimes feel uncomfortable and awkward, even with friends (sometimes especially with friends). I had an idea that a book about a party—where lots of friends are saying hello or celebrating—would create the perfect setting to show that there are lots of different ways to express friendship!

Owlkids Books: Udayana, what was the inspiration for your illustrations in this book?

Udayana Lugo: I didn’t start from zero because almost all the characters are from the previous companion book, Pink Is For Everybody, also written by Ella Russell and illustrated by me. When I first started sketching the pages, I thought about Pepé Le Pew, but also so many children I know who feel uncomfortable with hugs. On a side note, there are no dogs in this book, but my dog loves being petted by everyone, but is extremely uncomfortable with hugs. Some of the character’s expressions were inspired by her.

OKB: Ella, what was the most enjoyable part of bringing this story to life? What was the most challenging part of the process?

ER: The best parts of the book creation process for me are the beginning and the end: when I wrote the first draft of the manuscript and realized that the idea might work, and then when I saw how Udayana had brought the story to life with her brilliant illustrations! The hardest parts were the in-between bits. Even though I was excited about the first draft, it took many more drafts and lots of brain scratching before I figured out how to bring it together in a way that nailed the message and tone. (Luckily, I had lots of help from my editor, Stacey!).

OKB: Udayana, what was the most enjoyable part of illustrating this book? What was the most challenging part?

UL: I really love drawing facial expressions and body language. It is not easy, but it’s usually fun. I often find myself mimicking the expression I am putting into paper. This book was very enjoyable because I felt I already knew the characters, like they were old friends and I was visiting them again. The most challenging part was getting the expressions right. Sometimes it only takes raising an eyebrow, or the distance between the nose and the mouth to change everything.

OKB: Ella, do you have a favorite spread in the book?

ER: It’s so hard to choose just one!! But if I have to pick, then I’ll give a shout out to the birthday cake spread. All of the kids are happy and in their element, and I love to see what each of the animals is up to at the table!

OKB: Udayana, do you have a favorite spread? What was your process for it?

UL: I really like all the pages! I am happy there was a piñata in the story, so I could sneak a traditional Mexican one (the star shape, not a donkey). I had a lot of fun with the page where the children are seated around the table, and the last page where they are playing outside.

I always start with a very small pencil drawing, which is called a thumbnail. It takes me a few trials to get the right composition. I move the characters around like a theatre director, and make sure that everyone on the page is doing their part. Once these sketches are approved, I print them to size, which result in very blurry sketches with wonky proportions. At this stage, I redraw everything properly to the book’s actual size. I also nudge the scene here and there to avoid anything running out the side of the page, or getting lost in the gutter. Fingers crossed I won’t get any major changes, and when everything is approved, I color the pages either in Procreate or with traditional media, depending on the project.

OKB: Ella, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

ER: The main message is that everyone’s personal preferences are valid, and that good communication helps us to better understand each other’s differences! I hope readers feel more confident about communicating their own boundaries and better understand how to check in with their friends’ boundaries and comfort levels!

OKB: Udayana, what do you hope readers will take away from this book?

UL: I hope they can feel more confident in both saying “no” and getting a “no” for an answer. I love how the children in the story come up with expressing joy and affection in ways that everyone can feel comfortable with.

OKB: Ella, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

ER: In the past year, I’ve discovered a love for D&D (Dungeons & Dragons)! I’ve always been curious, but a little intimidated by the idea of roleplaying a character in front of other people. I’ve realized it’s easier (and lots of fun) when everyone else in the party has to get just as silly as you do!

OKB: Udayana, what’s an interesting fact people may not know about you?

UL: I have lived in five different countries with four different languages, and I’ve picked up traditions from all of them.

Thank you so much Ella and Udayana for taking the time to do this interview and creating a wonderful book! We hope readers enjoy Hugs Are (Not) for Everybody as much as we did!

Grab your copy today!