How to create Ghibli style images and animated videos? Check easy steps using ChatGPT and other AI models

Trending

+Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

AI tools like ChatGPT, Grok 3, and Google’s Gemini now enable users to create Studio Ghibli-style images and animations. These tools use detailed prompts and references to generate artwork that mimics Ghibli’s unique aesthetic. While the trend raises questions about copyright, the nostalgia and charm of Ghibli’s style make it highly popular.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate artistic images and animations has gained widespread attention, with Studio Ghibli-style creations becoming a major trend. AI-powered tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, xAI’s Grok 3, and Google’s Gemini have introduced image generation capabilities that allow users to create visuals resembling the iconic hand-drawn aesthetic of Studio Ghibli films.

Studio Ghibli, a renowned Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, is famous for its richly detailed backgrounds, soft color palettes, and fluid animations. AI-based image generators have now made it possible for users to recreate this distinctive style with minimal effort.

Poll

Which AI tool do you prefer for creating animated videos?

Not sureOther AI modelsChatGPT

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to generate Studio Ghibli-style images and animated videos using ChatGPT, Grok 3, and Gemini. It also explores the growing trend of AI-generated Ghibli content, the technology behind these tools, and the potential challenges regarding copyright and artistic integrity.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT, powered by GPT-4o, includes an AI image generator that enables users to create visually appealing images. While this feature is primarily available to paid subscribers, users with access can generate Studio Ghibli-style artwork by following these steps:

Open the ChatGPT website or mobile app and log in to your account.
Ensure you have access to the image generation feature (currently available in GPT-4o for premium users).
If you have an existing image you want to transform, upload it using the image tool.
Type a prompt instructing ChatGPT to generate an image in the Studio Ghibli style.
Example prompts:
“Create a Ghibli-style image of a peaceful countryside with cherry blossoms.”
“Transform this photo into a Studio Ghibli-style animation frame.”
Wait a few seconds for the AI to process the request and render the image.
If the image does not match expectations, modify the prompt or use the editing feature to refine details.

xAI’s Grok 3, integrated into X (formerly Twitter), also allows for AI-generated images with customizable artistic styles. Users can leverage Grok 3 for Ghibli-style artwork by following these steps:

Access Grok via the X app or website and navigate to the chatbot interface.
Ensure you are using Grok 3, as it supports advanced AI image generation.
Similar to ChatGPT, users can either upload an image or describe the scene they want to create.
Use a detailed prompt:
Example:
“Generate a Ghibli-style image of a cozy village under the moonlight.”
Review the generated artwork and adjust it as needed for accuracy.

Google’s Gemini AI has been steadily improving its generative capabilities, particularly in image creation. Users can generate Studio Ghibli-style images with Gemini AI using these steps:

Open the Gemini AI tool via Google’s chatbot interface or mobile app.
Ensure that Gemini’s image generation feature is activated.
Provide a detailed prompt:
Example:
“Draw a Ghibli-inspired forest with floating lanterns and a serene lake.”
Use additional AI refinements to adjust colors, textures, and details.

Step 1: Create a Ghibli-style image

To start, you need a beautiful Ghibli-style picture. You can do this in three ways:

Use an AI tool – Enter a simple description, like “a peaceful Ghibli-style village at sunset, with warm colors and glowing lanterns”, and the tool will generate an image for you.
Draw your own art – If you enjoy sketching, you can create your own Ghibli-style scene using a drawing app or by hand.
Edit a photo – Take a regular photo and use an editing app to give it a soft, painted effect with warm colors.

Once your image is ready, you can animate it to make it look alive!

Step 2: Prepare the image for animation

To make different parts of the image move, you need to separate objects into layers.

Background (sky, buildings, mountains) – This stays still.
Midground (trees, water, small objects) – This can move slightly.
Foreground (characters, leaves, floating lanterns) – These should have the most movement.

You can either create these layers while drawing or cut out different parts of an existing image and save them separately.

Step 3: Plan your animation

Before animating, decide what small movements you want. Here are some easy ideas:

A character’s hair swaying in the wind.
A leaf slowly falling from a tree.
Soft clouds moving in the background.
A gentle camera zoom to add depth.

Keeping movements simple will help maintain the calm, magical feeling of a Ghibli-style scene.

Step 4: Animate your image

Now, it’s time to bring your picture to life!

Move each layer slowly – Shift the background slightly, make trees sway, or let a character’s dress flutter.
Add small effects – You can make tiny glowing lights appear, or add soft movements like rippling water.
Use slow and natural motion – Ghibli animation is all about subtle, gentle movements, so avoid making things too fast or dramatic.

Step 5: Add sound and music

To make your animation even more magical, you can add:

Soft background music – A calm melody can set the mood.
Nature sounds – Birds chirping, wind blowing, or water flowing can make it feel real.
Character sounds (optional) – If you have a character, you can add light footsteps or soft laughter.

Step 6: Save and share your Ghibli-style animation

Once your animation is ready:

Save it in a video format so it can be shared easily.
Check how it looks—if any movement seems too fast, slow it down for a more dreamy effect.
Post it on social media and enjoy the reactions!

Creating Studio Ghibli-style images using AI requires a combination of the right tools, detailed prompts, and an understanding of the aesthetic elements that define Ghibli’s signature style. Below are the key requirements needed to generate high-quality Ghibli-style AI images.

1. Access to an AI image generation tool

To create Ghibli-style images, you need an AI tool capable of generating or modifying images based on text prompts. The most commonly used AI platforms include:

ChatGPT (GPT-4o with Image Generation) – Available to premium subscribers.
xAI’s Grok 3 – Integrated with X (formerly Twitter).
Google Gemini AI – Can generate artistic images using text prompts.
MidJourney – Offers advanced style customization for anime-inspired images.
Stable Diffusion (DreamBooth, ControlNet, or SDXL models) – Can be trained on specific styles.
DALL·E 3 (by OpenAI) – Provides high-quality AI-generated images with editing features.

Requirement: A registered account on the respective AI platform, and in some cases, a paid subscription to unlock advanced image generation features.

2. A strong and detailed text prompt

AI models rely on textual descriptions to generate images. To create Studio Ghibli-style artwork, your prompt should be highly detailed and include elements that define the Ghibli aesthetic.

Example prompt:

“Generate a Studio Ghibli-style image of a young girl in a flowing dress standing in a sunlit meadow, surrounded by lush green hills and soft pastel clouds. The atmosphere should be warm and dreamy, with hand-drawn textures and soft lighting. The colors should be rich yet muted, creating a nostalgic, whimsical feel.”

Tips for a good prompt:

Specify art style – Mention “Studio Ghibli” explicitly.
Include scene elements – Describe characters, setting, lighting, and mood.
Use emotion and atmosphere – E.g., “nostalgic,” “dreamlike,” “warm and serene.”

3. A reference image (optional)

Some AI tools allow users to upload an existing image to modify it in the Ghibli style. This can be helpful if you want to:

Transform a real-life photo into an anime-style painting.
Convert a personal sketch into a Ghibli-like illustration.

Requirement: The AI tool must support image input (e.g., DALL·E 3, Grok 3, Stable Diffusion).

4. Knowledge of Ghibli’s artistic style

Understanding Studio Ghibli’s signature elements will help in crafting better AI prompts:

Hand-drawn look – Soft, organic linework.
Rich colour palettes – Pastel shades, warm lighting, and natural tones.
Dreamlike atmosphere – Fantasy elements blended with real-life settings.
Detailed backgrounds – Intricate nature scenes, floating lanterns, rolling hills.

5. A device with internet access

AI image generators are typically cloud-based, meaning you’ll need:

A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access.
A web browser to access online AI tools.
Sufficient processing power if running AI locally (for Stable Diffusion).

6. Image editing software (optional)

To refine the AI-generated image, you might need an image editor:

Photoshop or GIMP – For manual touch-ups.
Canva – For easy enhancements.
AI Image Upscalers – Improve resolution and quality.

7. Ethical and copyright considerations

While AI allows easy creation of Ghibli-style images, it’s important to:

Avoid using copyrighted characters or artwork directly.
Ensure AI-generated work is transformative and original.

The rise of AI-generated Ghibli-style images and videos has been fueled by social media, where users showcase their creations. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even changed his profile picture to a Ghibli-style image, further popularizing the trend.

Reasons for the popularity of Ghibli-style AI art:

Nostalgia factor: Studio Ghibli films have a strong emotional connection with audiences worldwide.
Aesthetic appeal: The soft colors, dreamy landscapes, and intricate details make Ghibli-style visuals highly appealing.
Ease of AI tools: AI platforms have simplified the creation process, making it accessible to non-artists.

TOI Tech Desk

The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk’s news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.Read More

End of Article

View All