Ghibli art: 10 tips for turning your photos into Ghibli art and get better results

Ghibli image

Studio Ghibli’s art style is known for its dreamy landscapes, warm lighting, and hand-painted textures. If you want to convert your photos into Ghibli-style art using ChatGPT's newly acquired capabilities, certain techniques can help capture that signature aesthetic. Here are ten tips to create the perfect Ghibli-style transformation.

Ghibli backgrounds focus on storytelling, so choose a photo with a well-balanced composition. Scenes with winding roads, cozy houses, or lush forests work best.

Ghibli-style art avoids harsh lines and overly sharp details. Use brushes that mimic watercolor or gouache textures to create a more hand-drawn look.

Soft golden light, dappled sunlight through trees, or a gentle glow from lanterns help create the inviting warmth seen in Ghibli films.

Ghibli art uses rich yet harmonious colors. Adjust your photo to include earthy greens, deep blues, and warm pastels while avoiding oversaturation.

Ghibli’s charm comes from small details—fireflies glowing in the evening, steam rising from a teacup, or wind rustling leaves. Subtle magical touches bring life to the scene.

If your photo features buildings, soften their edges and add hand-drawn details like curved rooftops, vintage signs, or overgrown vines.

Ghibli backgrounds use depth by fading distant objects into soft blues and lighter tones, making the foreground pop with more vibrant colors.

Even in still images, implied motion—grass swaying, water rippling, or birds in the sky—to create a dynamic feel.

Use soft, blended shading instead of hard shadows. Highlights should have a warm, diffused glow rather than sharp contrasts.

Ghibli-style images evoke emotion and nostalgia. Add small details like open books, shoes by a doorway, or a winding path to make the scene feel lived-in.