Studio Ghibli has defined generations of animation lovers with its soft colors, emotional storytelling, and cozy, hand-drawn scenes. With the rise of AI tools and filters, this beloved style has found new life on social media popping up in selfies, landscape edits, and even profile pictures. If you’re wondering how to create Studio Ghibli-style images, either by drawing or by using AI, this guide will show you exactly how.
Whether you’re an artist looking to deepen your style, or someone just curious about the Studio Ghibli ai craze going viral, you’re about to learn the tools, techniques, and ethical insights that’ll help you craft magical, nostalgic visuals no experience required.
How To Create Studio Ghibli-Inspired Art: Tools, Trends & AI Filters
Creating art in the Ghibli style is more accessible than ever — thanks to new apps, platforms, and AI models that simulate the visual style of movies like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. These tools now allow anyone to make Ghibli-style images with just a few clicks or a simple prompt.
Social media has recently exploded with Ghibli-inspired content. From the ghibli filter in mobile apps to AI tools that apply the studio ghibli ai filter on your uploaded photos, the aesthetic is back — and it’s everywhere.
Let’s explore how to achieve the look manually and digitally.
What Makes Ghibli Art So Unique?
Before using any tools, it’s important to understand what makes Ghibli’s style instantly recognizable:
- Soft, hand-drawn lines: There’s nothing overly sharp or computerized.
- Pastel, natural color palettes: Think mossy greens, dusty blues, warm neutrals.
- Detailed backgrounds: From overgrown gardens to tiny household items, Ghibli backgrounds tell a story of their own.
- Expressive simplicity in characters: Simple shapes with deep emotion, often conveyed through posture and subtle expressions.
Whether you’re sketching by hand or using a studio ghibli ai filter, the goal should always be the same — emotional storytelling through atmosphere.
Best Tools to Create Ghibli-Style Images
Here’s a mix of traditional and AI-powered tools that can help you replicate the iconic Ghibli look:
Manual Drawing & Animation
- OpenToonz – Used by Studio Ghibli themselves. Great for frame-by-frame 2D animation.
- Procreate – Amazing for digital painting on iPad.
- Clip Studio Paint – Offers manga tools, brush control, and animation layers.
- Photoshop – For blending, lighting effects, and scene composition.
- Krita – Free and beginner-friendly with custom brush settings.
AI-Based Tools
- Lensa AI – Use its studio ghibli photo filter for stylized portraits.
- Snapchat’s Ghibli Filter – A mobile ghibli filter that transforms real-time camera input.
- Fotor AI Art Generator – Turns your text or photo into soft, fantasy-themed art.
- Runway ML – More advanced, supports video and image Ghibli-style generation.
- Dream by Wombo – Ideal for whimsical, Ghibli-inspired fantasy landscapes.
- Artbreeder – Great for generating Ghibli-style character faces.
All of these AI options use variations of the studio ghibli ai aesthetic to recreate the charm of hand-drawn worlds in seconds.
How To Make Ghibli-Style Images Using ChatGPT, Grok & Gemini
If you’d rather not sketch or edit manually, AI platforms now make it incredibly easy to generate Ghibli-style art. All you need to do is upload a photo and enter a prompt.
ChatGPT (with image generation)
- Upload your photo inside the chatgpt window.
- Write the Prompt:
“Turn this photo into a Studio Ghibli-style illustration with pastel tones and a watercolor landscape background.” - The AI generates a Ghibli-style version using soft colors and subtle textures.
- You can request variations or add more stylistic notes.
Grok by xAI
- Access Grok via X (formerly Twitter).
- Upload your selfie or photo.
- Type a prompt like:
“Make this look like a Studio Ghibli character in an animated forest scene.” - Grok applies the studio ghibli ai filter and delivers a stylized image.
Google Gemini
- Open Gemini and access the image generation or style transfer feature.
- Upload your photo or enter a scene prompt.
- Try something like:
“A cottage by the river at sunset in Studio Ghibli style.” - Gemini applies a ghibli filter and returns a high-resolution image with soft tones and natural light.
These tools are perfect if you’re looking for the studio ghibli photo filter look without needing to paint or animate from scratch.
Create Your Own Ghibli-Style Image (Without AI)
Prefer to go the traditional route? Here’s how you can draw or paint your own Ghibli-inspired piece:
1. Choose a Scene
Think of a simple, human moment: hanging laundry, walking through a forest, waiting at a train station.
2. Sketch Lightly and Organically
Use thin brushes or pencils. Keep lines fluid and avoid hard outlines. Build from background to foreground.
3. Apply Soft Colors
Use watercolors or pastel brushes. Avoid saturated neon tones. Focus on natural light and soft shadows.
4. Add Small, Storytelling Details
Teacups on the table, shoes by the door, birds in the distance — these things make the world feel alive.
5. Finish with Texture or AI Assistance
Overlay a watercolor paper texture or lightly enhance with a studio ghibli ai filter to balance hand-drawn and digital.
Ethical Considerations When Using Ghibli AI Filters
Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has publicly criticized AI art, saying it lacks soul and purpose. While using the studio ghibli ai or related filters is popular, it’s important to respect the legacy of the studio.
If you’re using a ghibli filter or studio ghibli photo filter:
- Only for personal, non-commercial use.
- Never claim the work is purely your own if it was generated by AI.
- Avoid copying exact scenes or characters from Studio Ghibli films.
Instead, use these tools for fun, practice, or creating original Ghibli-inspired stories.
Wrapping Up
Now that you’ve learned how to create Studio Ghibli-style images using both artistic tools and AI, you can begin bringing your own soft, emotional scenes to life. Whether you’re uploading a selfie to apply a studio ghibli ai filter, sketching a sleepy town by hand, or crafting an animated moment with OpenToonz — the magic is in the emotion you capture.
Let AI be your assistant, not your replacement. Use the ghibli filter and studio ghibli photo filter to amplify your creativity, not to skip the storytelling part. And most of all, enjoy the process.
Because in the world of Ghibli — even the smallest moment is worth illustrating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I make Ghibli-style images without ChatGPT Plus?
Use free tools like Getimg.ai, insMind, or Midjourney to generate Studio Ghibli-style art from photos or prompts.
Q2. Can I sell Ghibli-style AI art?
No. Ghibli’s style is copyrighted, so AI art should only be used for personal or fan purposes.
Q3. Can I turn my photo into Ghibli-style art?
Yes! Upload your photo to ChatGPT, Grok, or Gemini with a Ghibli-style prompt.
Q4. Are there limits to AI Ghibli art?
Yes. AI lacks the emotion and detail of hand-drawn Ghibli art. It’s best for ideas, not full replacements.
