Over the past few days, Studio Ghibli-style edits have taken the internet by storm. Thanks to OpenAI's latest native image generator, people from all over the world are reimagining their everyday lives in the iconic animation style of Studio Ghibli. However, it’s important to note that Hayao Miyazaki, the chief of Studio Ghibli, has expressed strong disapproval of such practices. In a documentary, he referred to these tendencies as an "insult to life itself."
Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio based in Koganei, Tokyo, was founded in 1985 by animators and directors Miyazaki Hayao and Takahata Isao, along with producer Suzuki Toshio. Over the years, Ghibli has earned worldwide acclaim for its high-quality, hand-drawn animated feature films. The studio’s work is known for its intricate detailing of human figures, along with its soft pastel and muted color palettes. Some of the most beloved films from Ghibli include Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
The name "Ghibli" is derived from a Libyan Arabic word referring to a hot desert wind. These masterpieces are the result of labor-intensive efforts by a dedicated team of craftsmen working under the meticulous guidance of Miyazaki. For instance, in The Wind Rises, every frame of the film was hand-drawn and painted with watercolors. One particularly detailed scene, depicting a crowded market, took more than a year to complete. Last year, Miyazaki was honored with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia's Nobel Prize, in recognition of his artistic contributions.
Why is Ghibli trending?
The recent surge in Studio Ghibli’s popularity can be attributed to the release of OpenAI’s new image generator feature in ChatGPT. This tool has ignited a new wave of user-generated content, with people creating and sharing Ghibli-inspired artworks on social media. The fascination with Ghibli's animation style, fueled by this new digital tool, has led to a broader appreciation of the studio's signature aesthetic. However, it’s important to remember the words of Miyazaki, who has always valued the painstaking craftsmanship behind these creations and the art of hand-drawn animation.
OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman have recently halted free access to the GPT-4o, the tool that allows users to generate Studio Ghibli-style images. When ChatGPT's Ghibli feature was first unveiled, it quickly became a sensation across the internet. However, the high demand for GPT-4o caused strain on OpenAI’s infrastructure, leading them to restrict the feature to paid users only. That said, there are still ways to create Ghibli-style images with ChatGPT for free. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you do so:
Step-by-step guide to create Ghibli-style images for free
Log in to ChatGPT: To start, you’ll need to log into your ChatGPT account. Once logged in, you'll be able to access the image generation feature.
Upload a photo or describe yourself: You can either upload a photo of yourself or describe your appearance in detail. Include information such as your hair color, eye color, outfit, and any other specific features you'd like to highlight. The more detailed your description, the better the result.
Specify the scene and mood: Next, tell ChatGPT the scene or mood you want to be captured in your Ghibli-style transformation. For example, you might describe a serene countryside, a mystical forest, or a bustling town. You can also mention a specific Ghibli film aesthetic you're aiming for, like the enchanting world of Spirited Away or the lush landscapes of Princess Mononoke.
Transform and adjust: Based on the description you provide, ChatGPT will generate a Ghibli-inspired image for you. You can request adjustments to elements such as color, lighting, and other details to fine-tune the result.
Save your image: Once you're satisfied with the image, you can save it to your mobile device, computer, or laptop.
Google Gemini: A powerful alternative
In addition to OpenAI’s GPT-4o, there’s also Google Gemini, a multimodal AI system developed by Google. Gemini is built from the ground up to handle various types of information—including text, code, audio, image, and video—making it a versatile tool for creative tasks. With Gemini, users can create captivating images in seconds using its integrated apps, providing another option for those looking to explore Ghibli-style or other creative images.
Though GPT-4o's access is now limited, both OpenAI and Google Gemini offer exciting possibilities for anyone interested in generating stunning, Studio Ghibli-inspired artworks.
Grok AI: Backed by Elon Musk, the world's richest man, Grok is an AI-powered tool accessible through grok.com, as well as on iOS and Android. When you visit the website, you’ll find an option to create images. Users can request Grok to generate anything from a serene mountain view or a flowing river to popular figures. You can also modify the images by adjusting the style, background, and other elements. Notably, Grok is available to users aged 18 and above.
Leonardo.AI: Another popular AI image generation platform, Leonardo.AI has already produced over 1 billion images and artworks. According to its website, users can choose from a range of high-quality AI models and experiment with various settings and presets. The platform allows seamless integration of style elements or even the option to upload your own work for more precise control over the creative output.
