From Totoro to Chihiro: Learn How to Create Ghibli Style Images in 5 Easy Steps

Learn how to create Ghibli-style images with our complete guide! Discover techniques, prompts, and AI tools to craft enchanting, nostalgic art in the iconic Studio Ghibli style.
Anuradha Mehta
6 Min Read

Generating images reminiscent of Ghibli’s beguiling art style has become a common pursuit among artists and fans. Whether your goal is to reproduce the Ghibli-like aesthetic by hand or utilize AI tools, this guide will help your piece take on that magical nostalgic feel of Ghibli films. Let’s dive into this article to learn how to create Ghibli style images in detail.

Why Is Ghibli Art So Unique?

Studio Ghibli was founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata and is known as one of the most visually stunning and emotionally deep producers of feature films. The Ghibli style is defined by:

  1. Ultra-detailed, hand-drawn aesthetics.
  2. These color palettes tend to be soft, pastel colors, giving a warm, inviting feel to the space.
  3. Scenery-rich, nature-loving locales where the land tells a story.
  4. Expressive and well-thought-out client characters.

We’ve spotlighted a handful of the most iconic Ghibli movies that capture the studio’s signature style:

  1. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
  2. Spirited Away (2001)
  3. Princess Mononoke (1997)
  4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
  5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989)
  6. Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
  7. Castle in the Sky (1986)
  8. Ponyo (2008)
  9. The Wind Rises (2013)
  10. When Marnie Was There (2014)

How to Generate Ghibli-style Prompts for images

The key to generating Ghibli-style images is crafting a prompt that will capture the Studio Ghibli aesthetic. Here is a way to format your prompt:

  1. Describe the Scene Clearly:
  • Include lots of descriptive adjectives to convey the atmosphere (e.g., peaceful, whimsical, nostalgic).[clarifying] Define setting (forest, village, mountain, etc.)

2. Mention Characters (if any):

  •  Flat in character’s appearance and expression.
  • Add clothing style, or any other Ghibli as hints (E.g. flowing dresses, messy hair)
  1. Focus on Details:
  • Call attention to things such as flowers, animals or architecture.
  • Show light (e.g., soft sunset glow, morning fog).
  1. Specify the Art Style:
  • Specify the data something like “Ghibli art style” to direct the AI
  • Include words such as “hand-drawn look” or “soft watercolor palette.”

Prompt Examples:

  1. Landscape: “A tranquil villager at dusk with cozy cottages and curvy paths, encircled by verdant, rolling hills. Ghibli art style with soft pastel colors and warm golden glows.”
  2. Persona in Nature: “An imaginative girl with long hair and a modest dress, surrounded by flowers in a meadow with her pet cat, beneath the wide blue sky with soft clouds. A Ghibli art style with watercolor textures.
  3. Text: “A magical forest with glowing flowers and sparkling streams, where whimsical creatures play around a stone lantern. Ghibli art style, with soft lighting and vibrant colors.”
  4. 4K Wallpaper: “A peaceful Ghibli-inspired mountain scene with cherry blossoms falling and a rustic lake house. Soft, cozy atmosphere. High-resolution, 4K quality.”
how to create ghibli style images
Ai Generated

How to Manually Generate Ghibli Images

  1. Research the backgrounds and characters of ghibli: Ghibli time gives you a great balance between character and their surrounding.
  2. Watch for cinematic composition: Elements of nature and symmetry abound in Ghibli films.
  3. Use Soft Colors: Light, watercolory effects and subdued tones create a dreamy feel.
  4. Apply Realistic Textures: by hand-painting or using digital brushes that imitate classic techniques.
  5. Attention to Detail: Ghibli backgrounds are lush and detailed so the detailing shouldn’t be rushed.

AI Tools To Create Ghibli Images

AI has simplified the process of creating Ghibli-esque pictures. Here are some popular tools to learn about how to create Ghibli style images:

  1. ChatGPT’s Image Generator
  • Input a prompt describing the ghibli scene you want
  • E.g. “A peaceful village at sunset in ghibli style.

2. Fotor AI Art Generator

  • I can upload a photo and get the Ghibli art effect
  • 4K wallpaper size are available.
  1. Getimg.ai
  • Enables wallpaper, character art, Ghibli-style scene generation.
  • Provides customization for various resolutions.
  1. Grok 3 and Google Gemini
  • Use prompts such as “Ghibli forest scene with whimsical characters.”— Good for high-quality 4K wallpapers and fantasy environments.
how to create ghibli style images
ai Generated

Ghibli Wallpaper and Art

Ghibli Wallpaper 4K options are all over the internet for fans who wish to adorn their devices or spaces. If you like landscapes from “Spirited Away” or scenes from “My Neighbor Totoro,” you can find high-resolution wallpapers that encapsulate the magic of Ghibli’s world.

Merchandise Ghibli: From Keychains to Posters

Not just digitalart and wallpapers, Ghibli fans collect merchandise too. The manufacturers of Ghibli keychains are some of the most wanted items, with popular characters like Totoro, No-Face, and Jiji.

Hot Tips in Making Ghibli Wallpapers

  1. Pick A Scenic Landscape: Ghibli films are known for their stunning vistas.
  2. Mint in Some Cuties: Add an iconic Ghibli character.
  3. HD Images: 4K is desirable
  4. Use Soft Lighting: Try to recreate that soft glow you see in Ghibli animations.

Final Thoughts

For fans and artists alike, making Ghibli-style images is a lovely way to pay homage to the enchanting work of Studio Ghibli. Mixing your hand with the magic of the machine, you can create your own dream, nostalgic scenes reminiscent of Ghibli movies and art. I hope this article on how to create Ghibli style images has guided you to crate your desired images. For any Queries or suggestion you are encouraged to comment below.

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Anuradha is a skilled news editor known for her attention to detail and strong editorial leadership. With a background in journalism, she ensures accurate, timely, and engaging news content, driving the editorial vision and maintaining high standards.
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