Studio Ghibli is a well-known animation studio loved by people all over the world. It was started by famous filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. In the beginning, it was just a small part of a company called Tokuma Shoten, which is a publishing company in Tokyo. But over time, Studio Ghibli became very popular and successful. The studio has created many famous animated movies, such as Grave of the Fireflies, The Wind Rises, Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and The Boy and the Heron. These films are loved by audiences of all ages.

Studio Ghibli movies are famous for their beautiful hand-drawn animation, bright colours, and touching stories. Many of their films focus on nature, childhood, and strong female characters. The studio’s unique art style has influenced many artists and animators around the world. Now, with the help of AI (artificial intelligence) tools, people can recreate this magical style in a new way—by making AI-generated portraits that look like Studio Ghibli artwork.

AI brings Ghibli magic to display pictures

Recently, OpenAI added a new feature to ChatGPT that lets people create images using AI. Because of this update, many people have started using AI to make portraits that look like Studio Ghibli characters. Fans of the Japanese animation studio are trying this feature to turn their own photos into Ghibli-style art.

ChatGPT’s AI image tool, called DALL·E, can make pictures in different styles if given the right instructions. However, this feature is only available to people who pay for ChatGPT Plus, which costs $20 a month. Subscribers can upload their photos and ask the AI to turn them into Ghibli-style portraits.

Another AI tool from OpenAI, called Sora, can create short video clips in different art styles, including the Studio Ghibli style.

Creating Ghibli-inspired portraits without ChatGPT plus

Not everyone has access to ChatGPT Plus, but that doesn’t mean they cannot create their own Ghibli-style portraits. There are many other AI tools available that allow users to generate images in this unique art style. Some of these tools are free, while others require a subscription.

AI tools for Ghibli-style art

  1. Midjourney: This is a very popular AI tool that creates high-quality images in different artistic styles, including Studio Ghibli. Users can type specific instructions (called prompts) to get the images they want.

       Here are some examples of prompts you can use:

To create a Ghibli-style portrait: "Studio Ghibli style portrait, Hayao Miyazaki, [character details], [background details]."

To match a specific movie: "Spirited Away style, [character name], [scene details]."

To create a famous character: "No Face, Spirited Away, [character details], [background details]."

  1. Getimg.ai – This tool has a free AI Studio Ghibli generator. Users can upload a photo and apply the Ghibli effect with adjustable intensity.
  2. insMind: This AI tool offers a free filter that turns photos into Ghibli-style art.
  3. Craiyon, DeepAI, and Playground AI: These platforms provide AI-generated images based on text descriptions. Users can enter prompts like "portrait in Studio Ghibli style, lush forest background, soft colours" to create stunning visuals.

How to Create Ghibli-Inspired Portraits Using AI

There are two main ways to generate a Ghibli-style portrait:

1. Text-to-image generation

Users can write a detailed description of the character or scene they want, and the AI will create an image based on that description.

Here are some details you can include:

  • Character appearance: Describe how the character looks, such as hair colour, eye shape, and outfit.
  • Background: Choose a setting like a forest, a city, or a magical world.
  • Mood: Decide the feeling of the image, such as happy, dreamy, or adventurous.

2. Image-to-Image transformation

Users can upload an existing photo and let the AI convert it into a Ghibli-style portrait. This method is perfect for those who want to see themselves or their pets in a Studio Ghibli world.

AI limitations and content policies

While AI is making it easier to create Ghibli-style art, there are some restrictions. Some users have reported that ChatGPT’s AI model has blocked requests for images in Ghibli style due to content policies. One user shared a response from ChatGPT, which stated:

"I wasn't able to generate a Ghibli-style portrait from your last image due to content policy limitations around creating likenesses of real people. However, I can absolutely create a Ghibli-style portrait based on a description. Just let me know some details—like hairstyle, clothing, background, mood, or anything else you'd like—and I'll create a stylised version inspired by that. Want to give it a go?"

What makes Studio Ghibli’s art style special?

Studio Ghibli is famous for its detailed hand-drawn animation, which gives its movies a warm and nostalgic feeling. Unlike many modern studios that mostly use computers to create animation, Ghibli artists draw and paint each frame by hand. This makes their films look unique and artistic.

Most Ghibli movies use bright colours and soft lighting, giving them a "magical and joyful" look. Their backgrounds are often inspired by European countryside scenes, with green fields, forests, and small cosy villages.

However, one movie, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, is different. Directed by Isao Takahata, it has a soft watercolour style that looks like a storybook and is inspired by Japanese folk art. The animation was made this way to show the deep emotions and struggles of the characters.

Common themes in Studio Ghibli films

Ghibli movies are not just about beautiful animation; they also tell meaningful stories. Some common themes in their films include:

  • Nature and environmentalism: films like Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind show the conflict between human progress and nature.
  • Strong female protagonists: Many Ghibli films feature independent and courageous female characters, such as Chihiro in Spirited Away and Kiki in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
  • The cost of war: Movies like The Wind Rises and Grave of the Fireflies explore the effects of war on ordinary people.
  • The magic of childhood—films like My Neighbour Totoro capture the innocence and wonder of childhood adventures.

Studio Ghibli has touched the hearts of millions with its beautiful animation and emotional stories. Now, with the help of AI, fans can add a bit of Ghibli magic to their own lives by creating portraits in this famous style.

Using AI tools like ChatGPT’s DALL·E, Midjourney, and others, anyone can transform their photos into stunning Ghibli-style artwork.

Although some AI tools have restrictions on what they can create, there are still many ways to enjoy this trend. By using the right tools and giving clear instructions, you can design your own Ghibli-style portrait and feel like a part of Hayao Miyazaki’s magical world!

You might also be interested in: ChatGPT on WhatsApp can now see and hear your messages