In recent times, a beautiful and dreamy art trend has taken over social media platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok โ Ghibli-style photos. Inspired by the timeless art of Studio Ghibli, this photo style transforms everyday pictures into enchanting, soft, and emotional artworks reminiscent of classic Japanese animation. But what exactly is a Ghibli art photo? Why is it trending? And how can you make your own Ghibli-inspired artwork?
This article dives deep into everything you need to know about the Ghibli art photo trend, how to create your own, the tools to use, and what makes it so special.
What is a Ghibli Art Photo?
A Ghibli art photo is a digitally enhanced or illustrated image that replicates the iconic art style of Studio Ghibli โ a Japanese animation studio known for creating classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Howlโs Moving Castle. These photos usually depict dreamy landscapes, nostalgic countryside scenes, cozy settings, and whimsical environments with soft colors and painterly textures.
Why is the Ghibli Art Style Trending?
There are several reasons why the Ghibli photo trend has become massively popular in 2024โ2025:
Emotional Aesthetic : People are drawn to the emotional calmness and warmth the Ghibli style offers. In a fast-paced world, such visuals provide a form of digital escapism.
Nostalgia Factor : Studio Ghibli films hold a special place in the hearts of millions around the globe. Ghibli-style photos rekindle that childhood memory and emotional connection.
Rise of AI and Art Filters : With the development of AI art tools and mobile apps, anyone can now turn a simple photo into a Ghibli-style painting without artistic skills.
Social Media Virality : The Ghibli aesthetic is perfect for Instagram and TikTok reels โ people love showcasing serene versions of their real-world photos.
How to Create Ghibli Style Photos Using Popular AI Tools
Creating a Ghibli-style image is easier than ever, thanks to AI tools, editing apps, and photo filters. You donโt need to be a professional artist to get started.
Grok, Elon Muskโs AI on X (formerly Twitter), currently focuses more on text generation, not image generation. However, if future updates include image capabilities, you could:
Use Grok to generate custom Ghibli-style prompts like:
“Create a peaceful countryside with soft sunlight and flying birds, in the style of Studio Ghibli.”
Fotor is beginner-friendly and lets you create Ghibli-style art using photo uploads or prompts.
Steps:
Visit: https://www.fotor.com/features/ai-art-generator/
- Choose “From Text” or “From Image”.
- Enter a prompt like:
โA girl sitting under a cherry blossom tree, dreamy lighting, Ghibli art style.โ - Select an art style like โAnimeโ or โOil Paintingโ.
- Click “Generate”.
Getimg.ai is perfect for creating Ghibli-style images from prompts and editing existing images.
Steps:
Go to https://getimg.ai.
- Choose โAI Canvasโ (for editing images) or โText to Imageโ.
- Use prompt: โStudio Ghibli-style dreamy landscape with flowers, clouds, soft pastels, 4K anime.โ
- Choose a Ghibli-inspired model (if available).
- Click “Generate”.
insMind is a smart AI image tool focused on branding and photo editing, not specifically for anime. But:
Alternative Use:
You can use it to remove backgrounds, add soft overlays, or prepare photos to later use in Ghibli filters elsewhere.
MidJourney (via Discord)
MidJourney is one of the best tools for generating Ghibli-style scenes from text prompts.
Steps:
- Join MidJourney via Discord: https://www.midjourney.com
- Type in any Discord image bot channel:
- Wait for the image to generate, then upscale your favorite.
DALLยทE 3 integrated in ChatGPT Pro lets you create Ghibli-style photos from text prompts.
Steps:
- Open ChatGPT (with DALLยทE 3 access).
- Type: โGenerate an image in Studio Ghibli style: a child running through a sunflower field at sunset, dreamy lighting, anime look.โ
- Choose to edit or vary the result if needed.
Leonardo AI is a powerhouse for anime/Ghibli art with multiple styles and advanced models.
Steps:
- Go to https://leonardo.ai and sign in.
- Choose โText to Imageโ.
- Select an anime/Ghibli-inspired model (like DreamShaper or Anime Pastel).
- Enter prompt: โA girl and a cat waiting at a train station, in the style of Studio Ghibli.โ
- Generate and download.
Runway ML is best for turning images or videos into Ghibli-style animation or stylized outputs using Gen-2.
Steps:
- Visit https://runwayml.com.
- Go to “Gen-2” โ Upload an image or video.
- Add a Ghibli-style prompt like:
- “Transform into a hand-painted anime style like Studio Ghibli.”
- Click “Generate Video” or “Stylize”.
Craiyon (formerly DALLยทE mini)
Craiyon is a simple and free tool to generate Ghibli-style art quickly.
Steps:
- Visit https://www.craiyon.com
- Type a prompt like:
- โGhibli anime style mountain village with flowersโ
- Click “Draw”.
Playground AI offers artistic generations in anime and Ghibli styles using Stable Diffusion models.
Steps:
- Visit https://playgroundai.com
- Choose Style > Search โGhibliโ or โAnimeโ.
- Input a prompt:
- โAnime girl sitting near a glowing lake, fireflies, Studio Ghibli styleโ
- Generate image.
Tips to Make Your Ghibli Art Stand Out
- Start with a well-lit photo โ natural light gives better results.
- Use references from Ghibli movies to match colors and vibe.
- Incorporate emotions โ solitude, peace, wonder, love.
- Avoid clutter โ keep the composition clean and focused.
- Experiment with AI + manual touch-ups for best results.
Ethical Consideration: AI vs. Human Art
While AI tools are excellent for casual users, it’s important to recognize and respect the original art and the legacy of Studio Ghibli. Avoid claiming AI-generated content as “original Ghibli” or commercializing it without proper rights.
Why AI Art in Ghibli Style Is Facing Backlash from Fans
While AI art generators can beautifully mimic the soft, dreamy aesthetic of Studio Ghibli films, many fans and artists are speaking out against its widespread useโespecially when it imitates a deeply respected hand-crafted style.
Disrespecting the Handcrafted Legacy of Ghibli
No True Creativity โ Just Pattern Mimicking
Concerns About Artist Exploitation
Copyright and Intellectual Property Issues
Social Media Reactions: Split Opinions
What Hayao Miyazaki Thinks About AI in Art
In one famous documentary clip, Hayao Miyazaki reacted to an AI-generated animation clip and said:
โI strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.โ
This quote has resurfaced in online discussions, with fans using it to highlight how Ghibli’s philosophy clashes directly with the rise of AI-generated art.
Where to Draw the Line?
The backlash doesnโt mean AI should never be usedโbut fans call for respect, transparency, and ethical use:
Suggestions by the Ghibli Community:
- Use AI for inspiration, not duplication.
- Credit Ghibli and tag AI work appropriately.
- Avoid commercial use of AI Ghibli-style art.
- Support and commission real artists who master this style.
- Label AI creations clearly to avoid confusion.
Thereโs nothing wrong with being inspired by Ghibliโs style. After all, itโs inspired generations of creators. But the key lies in how we use AIโwhether we treat it as a tool for learning or a shortcut to mimic something deeply meaningful.
If you’re using AI to create Ghibli-style art, do so respectfully, transparently, and ethically. Let it be a tribute, not a replacement.
Leave a Reply