Once again, I found myself immersed in the world of digital art, breathing life into a beloved character. The subject of this new artwork is Sara Crewe, the heroine of "A Little Princess," a children’s novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. But my inspiration for this piece comes from a particular adaptation that holds a special place in my heart—the 1985 anime "Princess Sarah", which is not only nostalgic for me but also for many others in my country, the Philippines. It’s such a well-known series here that a Filipino-casted live-action remake was made, further deepening its influence on our culture.
This piece shows Sara in her birthday gown, a look that has always stood out to me from both the novel and the anime. I wanted to capture her in that moment of elegance and youth when life still seemed so filled with possibilities before her world crumbled around her. The gown itself is a soft, pale pink, a colour that exudes warmth, innocence, and subtle sophistication—perfect for a young girl of privilege who hasn’t yet faced the challenges to come. The dress flows gracefully, its soft ruffles cascading in layers that look delicate yet regal.
Her gloves are a pristine white, extending just past her wrists in a style that adds a touch of refinement. I imagined how they would feel—smooth, soft, and cool to the touch, the kind of gloves a young lady would wear to a formal event like her own birthday party. On her head, she wears a simple pearl hairband. The pearls reflect the same sophistication as the rest of her ensemble, but they are not overdone. Sara has always been a character of quiet grace, and I wanted her appearance to reflect that.
When you look into her eyes—large, bright green eyes full of depth—you see more than just a pretty young girl. You see kindness, compassion, and an enduring optimism. That’s one of the most striking things about Sara Crewe. Despite all the hardships she faces throughout her story, she never loses her innate goodness. In many ways, this artwork is my tribute to those qualities in her that inspire people, even decades after the book was first written and after countless adaptations of the story have been made.
I didn’t want to create just any fan art; I wanted to embody who Sara Crewe is at her core. She’s kind, caring, and compassionate. Even when she is treated poorly, she remains generous and polite to everyone around her. She doesn't boast about her wealth, nor does she look down on anyone. Her humility is what makes her so endearing. Her intelligence also plays a significant role in her character. She reads extensively and speaks several languages, including French and Hindi. I kept this intellectual aspect in mind as I depicted her thoughtful, serene expression.
But it’s her imagination that truly sets Sara apart. Throughout the story, Sara makes up fairy tales to entertain her classmates at Miss Minchin's school. I could just imagine how her creative spirit would radiate through her posture and the soft smile on her lips. In this artwork, her smile is not broad; it’s delicate and gentle, the kind of smile that hints at stories hidden in her mind, stories she’s too humble to share without being asked. Her optimism is perhaps her most defining trait. No matter what happens to her, she never loses hope. Even in the darkest of times, Sara believes in the goodness of the world, and I tried to convey this unwavering positivity in her facial features and soft, pastel surroundings.
Of course, creating fan art like this requires a deep understanding of the character’s background. Born in India to Captain Ralph Crewe and his wife, Sara was showered with love and attention from her father, especially after her mother’s passing. Captain Crewe spared no expense when he sent his beloved daughter to Miss Minchin's seminary in London. The novel makes it clear how lavish Sara’s life was at the time—her room, extravagant furniture, a wardrobe full of beautiful dresses, a servant, a parrot, and even a pony.
That’s one of the most fascinating aspects of her character. Miss Minchin, the strict headmistress of the school, sees Sara’s wealth and assumes she’s a spoiled, selfish child. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Sara’s kindness and grace win over her classmates, and even those who are initially envious or indifferent towards her can’t help but be drawn in by her sincerity. Through this fan art, I wanted to show the world what Miss Minchin couldn’t see—Sara’s inner strength and beauty.
But, as those who are familiar with the story know, Sara’s life takes a devastating turn on her birthday. She receives the news that her father has passed away, and with him, her entire fortune is lost. In a matter of moments, Sara goes from being the wealthiest girl at Miss Minchin’s school to having nothing. Miss Minchin, showing her true nature, forces Sara to become a servant, banishing her to a cold, desolate attic room shared with Becky, another servant. The once-grand life Sara had known disappears in an instant. She is made to cook, clean, and endure daily cruelty from not only Miss Minchin but also other students like Lavinia, who are all too eager to see Sara suffer.
Despite all this, Sara never loses her grace. Even in rags, she continues to imagine herself as a princess at heart, a princess not because of wealth or status but because of how she treats others. It’s this enduring sense of dignity that I wanted to capture in my artwork. Sara in my fan art still wears the beautiful birthday gown, but her posture and expression convey a deep inner strength—a strength that will carry her through the dark times ahead. I wanted to capture the essence of Sara's resilience and grace.
One of the most poignant aspects of Sara’s story is how she refuses to let the cruelty of others change her. Even when she’s at her lowest point, when she’s cold, hungry, and exhausted from endless chores, she finds ways to be kind and compassionate. She shares her food with Becky when they’re both starving. She uses her vivid imagination to transport herself and others away from their miserable surroundings, telling stories that bring hope and light into the darkest corners of their lives.
For me, that’s what makes Sara such a powerful character. She doesn’t need material wealth to be a princess. Her royalty comes from her heart. That’s why I chose to depict her in this elegant gown, as a reminder that no matter what happens to her externally, she remains a princess internally. Eventually, Sara’s fortunes change once again. She is discovered by Mr. Tom Carrisford, her father’s friend who has been searching for her ever since her father’s death. He restores Sara to her former wealth and adopts her, giving her the happy ending she so richly deserves. But even when she regains her status as a princess, Sara remains humble, kind, and generous.
This artwork is my way of paying homage to that resilience and inner beauty. It’s not just a portrait of a girl in a pretty dress. It’s a reflection of who Sara Crewe is at her core—a girl who faces unimaginable hardship with grace and dignity, a girl who never loses hope, and a girl who remains a princess, not because of her wealth, but because of her character. She remains a princess because she believes in the power of kindness and love to overcome any obstacle and she knows that true beauty comes from within.
In conclusion, creating this fan art was more than just an artistic endeavour for me. It was a way to reconnect with a character who has long inspired me and countless others. Sara Crewe’s story is one of hope, kindness, and the enduring power of imagination. Through this piece, I wanted to capture not just her physical appearance but also the essence of who she is—a true princess, in every sense of the word. In doing so, I hope to convey the magic that Sara Crewe's character exudes on the page of the book.
