A Ghibli image of three friends.

How to Make Studio Ghibli AI Art :Step-by-Step Guide

8 min read

One of the most asked questions, in our opinion?

“How to make Studio Ghibli AI art?”

We mean, the wave that ChatGPT sparked captivated everyone! According to OpenAI’s Sam Altman, the demand was so high that they were struggling to keep up with it.  

People have been posting Ghibli style portraits, landscapes, and whatnot across Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or TikTok. 

And, let us tell you, a trend as popular and loved as the Ghibli trend is here to stay. No matter what year it is!

So, if you, too, want to participate and want an answer to that how-to question we mentioned above, you have landed on the right blog. 

Yes, we are covering all about Ghibli art here—from what it is to the steps to make it and some incredible ideas. 

Keep scrolling to explore!

What is Ghibli art style?

The Studio Ghibli, founded by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, is behind the Ghibli art. 

And, if you have ever watched a Studio Ghibli film, you will know exactly what we mean when we say “Ghibli Art.” 

Let us recall together!

Remember those beautiful animated films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke with lush landscapes, soft yet vibrant color palettes, and the whimsical details?

That visual feast right there is Ghibli art!

Now, what is it about the Ghibli style art that makes it so special?

1. Unlike many modern animated effects, the Ghibli art looks hand-drawn.
2. There is an insane amount of detailing that makes it look so alive.
3. Soft, pastel-like colors and delicate shadows just win the heart
4. Each Ghibli aesthetic art looks incredibly expressive and emotion-filled.
5. It gives off a feeling of coziness, comfort, and nostalgia.

This is why Ghibli art is earning so much love.

And well, it is well deserved, isn’t it?

Related post: Best AI art generators  

Now that we have an idea of the essence of Ghibli art, let’s move on to the steps to make it. 

How to make Ghibli AI art from a photo for free? 

While the Ghibli-core art is about that hand-drawn feel, thanks to some platforms like LightX, you can easily generate the Ghibli style art in a photo for free with AI. 

With its daily 5 free credits, you are all sorted!

You can enjoy the convenience of creating your Ghibli portrait, a Ghibli profile picture, a Ghibli photo of your pet, or even a Ghibli landscape from your photos online or on your phone. 

Allow us to share the detailed steps for each ahead. 

How to make Studio Ghibli AI art from a photo online?

No hassle of installing software or learning complex editing skills!

Ghiblify your photo online with these steps: 

Step 1: Open the LightX website in your browser. Go to the AI Tools” and select the “AI Filter.”

A screenshot of LightX’s home page showing the AI Filter tool.

Step 2: Once you are on the AI Filter page, click “Apply AI Filter Now” button to upload the photo you want to turn into the Ghibli art. 

A screenshot of LightX’s AI filter page with the “Apply AI Filter Now” button and images.

Step 3: Choose from a collection of preset Ghibli style filters. Apply any of your choice with just a click and select the “Generate via Style” option.

A screenshot of different Ghibli style filters in LightX.

Step 4: Alternatively, you can enter a text prompt describing your custom Ghibli style. Click “Generate” for the AI to bring it to life in your uploaded picture.

A screenshot of entering a text prompt to apply the custom Ghibli filter on the photo in LightX.

Step 5: Preview your AI Ghibli image. Hover over it to explore editing options, such as image upscale, AI expand, AI cleanup picture, add text to photo, and more. You can also generate variations by clicking “Generate More.”

A screenshot of entering a text prompt to apply the custom Ghibli filter on the photo in LightX.

Step 6: If you wish to proceed with saving your image directly, click the download icon on the image preview. It will be saved in a JPEG format on your device. Or select all the generated images and click the “Download” button at the top left to download them all together. 

A screenshot of the image “Download” button in LightX.

Related post: Best AI anime art generators  

How to make Studio Ghibli AI art from a photo on iPhone or Android?

An image of the 6-step process of turning a photo into Ghibli style in the LightX app.

Wish to explore the Ghibli fun within the comfort of your phone’s screen?

LightX’s AI Ghibli filter app has got you all covered. 

Ghiblify your photo on iPhone or Android with these steps:

Step 1: Download the LightX iOS or Android app on your device. 

Step 2: Open the app, navigate to the “AI Tools,” and tap “AI Filter.”

Step 3: Now, upload the image you want to convert into Ghibli art from your device. 

Step 4: Browse through a range of Ghibli art filters and tap any you like to apply it. In iOS devices, you also have the option to enter a text prompt to generate your own Ghibli style filter.

Step 5: Once your AI Ghibli photo is generated, tap the done icon at the top left to apply the changes and keep editing it further. 

Step 6: If you wish to proceed with downloading your AI image directly, tap the “Save” button at the top left to export in your preferred format and resolution. By tapping the “Share” button, you can directly post or send the image on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, etc. 

And that’s it! Easy peasy, right?

With LightX’s AI image generator, you can also create AI Studio Ghibli backgrounds, wallpapers, OCs (original characters), posters, and artworks. 

Related post: Best AI image generators  

Discover the AI anime world, as well, using LightX’s AI anime filters, AI anime avatar generator, AI anime city generator, AI anime art generator, AI anime profile picture maker, and AI manga filters

Now, let’s move on to some popular Ghibli art ideas that you can give a try with AI. 

Popular Ghibli art ideas that you can try with AI Ghibli filter 

There isn’t just one but many ideas that you can explore when it comes to the Ghibli charm. 

Here we share some popular ones that are sure to mesmerize everyone:

1. Ghibli style portraits

A before and after collage of a girl’s portrait and her transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

What’s better than seeing yourself as a Ghibli character? Create your Ghibli portrait version!

It is perfect for creating your Ghibli alter-ego, you know. 

Or, you can turn your friends or family members into these anime-style characters. 

2. Ghibli style pet or animal art

A before and after collage of a dog photo and its transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

Who doesn’t love a Ghibli style pet or animal art?

Well, we surely do!

Generate whimsical and heartwarming pet or animal art that looks like it is straight out of a Ghibli film. 

3. Ghibli style landscapes

A before and after collage of a landscape and its transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

Oh, Ghibli films and their breathtaking sceneries!

The best!

Convert a photo into a Ghibli landscape that looks so dreamy that it captures the attention at the very first sight. 

4. Ghibli style food art

A before and after collage of noodles photo and its transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

Ghibli-style food art is known for its cozy and absolutely mouth-watering feel. 

Turn your food clicks into AI-generated Ghibli style food visuals.

We are telling you, they look so good that one can’t resist but just eat!

5. Ghibli style fantasy scenes

A before and after collage of a fantasy girl and her transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

A mystical Ghibli world?

Yes, please!

Generate your own dream-like, Miyazaki-inspired fantasy scene with AI. 

6. Ghibli style interiors

A before and after collage of a cafe’s photo and its transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

We just love Ghibli interiors!

And, we think you would too!

Turn an interior scene, such as a bedroom or cafe setting, into a cozy, warm Ghibli style one. 

7. Ghibli style characters

A before and after collage of a boy’s photo and his transformation in the Ghibli style respectively.

Generate your OCs of an adventurer, witch, or lost traveler like Studio Ghibli characters.

Use them for story, games, or personal projects. 

8. Ghibli style backgrounds, wallpapers, or posters

A Ghibli aesthetic photo of a woman standing in a deserted area with unique structures.

Create Studio Ghibli backgrounds, wallpapers, or posters with that dreamy, nostalgic Ghibli touch!

Share them online, set them on your devices, or even print them. 

Related post: How to make AI art 

And there you go!

We say try these Ghibli art ideas—you’ll love them!

Final words

With the support of AI, your Miyazaki-inspired Ghibli pictures are just a few clicks away!

From AI-generated Ghibli looks to AI Ghibli landscapes and everything in between, you can create it all!

Who knows? Your next creation turns out like it belongs in a Studio Ghibli film!

Frequently asked questions

1. What is “Ghibli” pronunciation?

“Ghibli” is pronounced as “JEE-blee” or “GIB-lee” (with a hard “G”), depending on the preference. The Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki intended the Italian pronunciation “GIB-lee.”

2. What are some Studio Ghibli AI prompts for images that I can try?

Here are some Studio Ghibli-inspired AI prompts you can try:

“Generate a cozy Ghibli-style village at sunset.”
“Create a mystical forest with floating lanterns, inspired by Studio Ghibli.”
“Imagine a young witch flying over a bustling Ghibli-inspired town.”
“Design a Ghibli-style tea shop hidden in a magical garden.”
“Depict a sleepy countryside with rolling hills and a small train station, Ghibli-style.”

3. How to draw Studio Ghibli style art perfectly with AI?

To draw a Ghibli-style art perfectly, firstly make sure to choose the right AI tool, suiting your needs. Then, use filters or prompts for Ghibli aesthetics, ensuring a soft shading, rich colors, and detailed nature-filled backgrounds. Make sure characters look simple yet expressive with emotive eyes and dynamic poses. Achieve that warm lighting and those whimsical elements for a hand-painted feel.