What Is the ChatGPT Ghibli Trend?

• Blockchain Council
• April 04, 2025

The ChatGPT Ghibli Trend has become a hot topic in the digital art community. People are using AI to turn photos, memes, and even historical images into artwork inspired by Studio Ghibli. This trend mixes AI technology with the enchanting style of Studio Ghibli, creating unique and imaginative images that captivate many.

How Did the Ghibli Trend Become Popular?

The trend gained traction when OpenAI introduced an image generation feature in ChatGPT. This new feature allowed users to generate artwork in various styles, including the iconic Ghibli look. Users began uploading personal photos, family portraits, and even historical moments to be transformed into these whimsical, hand-drawn illustrations. As a result, social media was flooded with Ghibli-style images, showing the excitement surrounding the fusion of AI and art.

What Is Studio Ghibli’s Artistic Style?

Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, is known for its detailed, hand-drawn animation. Films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro showcase lush landscapes, intricate backgrounds, and magical characters. The studio’s films often feel warm and nostalgic, with a unique visual charm. The Ghibli Trend uses AI to recreate this look, making personal photos feel like scenes from a Ghibli film.

How to Create Your Own Ghibli-Style Images with ChatGPT?

Creating your own Ghibli-style images with ChatGPT is simple. Follow these steps to start:

1. Access ChatGPT’s Image Generator

First, make sure you have access to ChatGPT’s image generation feature. Free users can create up to three images per day. Log into your account to begin.

2. Choose a Photo to Transform

Pick a clear, high-quality photo you want to turn into a Ghibli-style illustration. Portraits work well, but you can experiment with other types of images too.

3. Upload the Image and Describe It

Upload your photo to ChatGPT. In the prompt, request that your image be turned into a Ghibli-style illustration. For example, you can say: “Please turn this photo into a Studio Ghibli-style artwork.”

4. Review and Refine

Once ChatGPT processes the image, review the result. If you want changes, you can refine the image by giving additional instructions. For instance: “Make the colours brighter to reflect the vibrant palette of Ghibli films.”

5. Save and Share

Once you’re happy with the result, download the image. You can share it on social media or keep it for yourself.

With the Certified ChatGPT Expert designation, you can dive deeper into the intricacies of ChatGPT’s evolving trends, like the Ghibli effect.

What Are the Legal and Privacy Issues?

Creating Ghibli-style images is exciting, but there are some things to consider. First, using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues. This is a concern because AI models like ChatGPT may have been trained on copyrighted works. When generating images, it’s important to respect the rights of the original artists.

Another issue is privacy. Uploading personal photos to AI platforms could potentially put your data at risk. It’s wise to be careful about what images you share.

What Are the Ethical and Copyright Concerns?

While the trend is fun, it has sparked some important questions. One major concern is copyright. Studio Ghibli’s artists and creators, especially Miyazaki, have expressed concerns about AI replicating their style. In fact, Miyazaki has previously called AI-generated art “an insult to life itself.” His comments reflect the worry that AI lacks the emotional depth that comes from human creativity.

Another issue is the use of AI to recreate sensitive or historically significant moments in a Ghibli style. Some users have created Ghibli-style images of events like the September 11 attacks or political assassinations. These actions have received backlash for trivializing serious historical events and disrespecting their gravity.

How Has OpenAI Responded?

In response to these concerns, OpenAI has made changes to its platform. They now restrict the generation of images that mimic the style of living artists without permission. Additionally, OpenAI has blocked certain types of sensitive content from being transformed into AI-generated artwork. This shows that OpenAI is aware of the need to balance innovation with ethical responsibility.

What Are Some Alternatives to ChatGPT for Creating Ghibli-Style Images?

If you want to explore other options, there are several tools available that can also generate Ghibli-style images.

1. Grok by xAI

Grok, developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, offers an AI image generator that can create artwork in various styles, including Ghibli. To use it, visit the Grok website or access it through platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

2. Fotor’s Ghibli AI Generator

Fotor has a Ghibli-style image generator that transforms your photos into Studio Ghibli-inspired artwork. Simply upload your image and select the Ghibli style to apply.

3. insMind’s Studio Ghibli Filter

insMind provides an AI filter that applies a Ghibli look to your photos with ease. Just upload your image, apply the filter, and download the result.

4. Midjourney

Midjourney is another popular AI tool for generating high-quality art. Join the official Discord server, type your prompt, and the AI will create a Ghibli-style image for you.

5. getimg.ai’s Ghibli Diffusion

Getimg.ai lets you generate Ghibli-style images from text descriptions or existing photos. Upload your image or input a detailed prompt, and the AI will generate the artwork.

The Certified Agentic AI Developer™ and the Certified Agentic Expert™ credentials are ideal for those wanting to develop or integrate trends like ChatGPT’s Ghibli phenomenon.

What Do People Think About the Ghibli Trend?

The ChatGPT Ghibli Trend has sparked various reactions. Some people love the creative possibilities that AI offers, while others worry about its impact on traditional artistry. On platforms like Reddit, users are discussing the pros and cons of AI-generated art, with some questioning whether it undermines the value of human-created works.

Conclusion

As AI technology improves, its role in art will continue to evolve. While AI can inspire new creative possibilities, it also raises important ethical and legal challenges. The ongoing conversation about AI and art will shape how this technology is used in the future.