Ghibli-Inspired AI Portraits Created with ChatGPT Are Blowing Up — Learn How It’s Done

From legendary film scenes to iconic internet memes and even famous historical photos, just about everything is getting a whimsical makeover thanks to the latest Studio Ghibli-style portrait trend powered by ChatGPT.

Fans of the beloved Japanese animation studio, best known for its hand-drawn charm and dreamlike storytelling, are diving into OpenAI’s newest image generation tool with enthusiasm. The feature, which launched on Tuesday (March 25), is part of an upgrade to GPT-4o, a model OpenAI describes as its “most advanced image generator yet.”

According to the company, the update introduces a “natively multimodal model capable of precise, accurate, photorealistic outputs.” In simple terms, this means users can now create highly detailed visuals by combining natural language prompts with advanced image generation capabilities—all within ChatGPT. One of the most exciting uses so far?

Replicating the magical aesthetic of Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary filmmaker and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. The studio’s timeless films, including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, have inspired a generation of artists and fans alike.

With this new capability, social media feeds have exploded with AI-generated Ghibli-style portraits. Whether it’s reimagining Titanic’s iconic “I’m flying” scene or turning a viral cat meme into a forest spirit, users are showcasing just how creative and versatile the tool can be.

The results are equal parts nostalgic and imaginative, and they’re quickly becoming a meme in their own right. Here's a roundup of some of the most viral examples so far.

"Today is a great internet day," one user declared as he shared popular memes in this format, such as the Distracted Boyfriend meme, the Olympic shooter meme featuring Turkish competitor Yusuf Dikec, and the Disaster Girl meme.

Ben Affleck smoking meme

Memorable movie scenes from classic films such as Star Wars, Scarface, The Godfather, and The Lord of the Rings also received the AI Studio Ghibli treatment.

Mufaddal Durbar

Cards....

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Just in case you wanted to know what a jumping Elon Musk looks like in Studio Ghibli format...

Jason Rink

Creativity Meets Technology

Dr. John Maeda, a renowned design technologist, emphasizes the fusion of creativity and technology in today's digital landscape. He points out that AI tools like ChatGPT enable users to explore artistic expression in unprecedented ways. According to Maeda, this trend signals a paradigm shift where creative professionals can leverage AI to enhance their workflows and inspire innovative projects.

He suggests that artists and designers should embrace these tools, not as replacements, but as collaborators that can help them push the boundaries of their imagination.

Art and technology expert, Dr. Sarah Kessler, notes that the Ghibli-style portrait trend taps into a broader cultural nostalgia, appealing to those who cherish the magic of childhood animation. She explains that nostalgia plays a crucial role in how we engage with art, providing a comforting connection to the past.

Dr. Kessler encourages creators to explore how blending nostalgia with modern technology can yield unique works that resonate with audiences. This approach can foster deeper emotional connections and enhance the overall impact of their art.

OpenAI CEO responds to the trend—and joins in too:

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Creating AI portraits with DALL-E 3 is straightforward for ChatGPT Plus users. Subscribers can access the tool directly within ChatGPT, allowing them to upload images and transform them using detailed prompts, such as "Create an image in Studio Ghibli style." DALL-E 3 excels at understanding intricate descriptions, producing visually striking results while offering features like inpainting to refine specific areas of generated images. Users can also save metadata like seed numbers for consistent iterations. This integration is available on desktop and mobile, making it accessible for creative projects.

For those without a ChatGPT Plus subscription, alternative platforms like MidJourney or Stable Diffusion provide free options for generating AI portraits. These tools require detailed prompts to achieve high-quality results and may not match DALL-E 3's precision in rendering text or intricate details. While free tools are effective, their algorithms and training data can lead to varied outputs compared to DALL-E 3's refined capabilities.

Building Healthier Patterns

The intersection of AI and art is reshaping creative landscapes, offering fresh approaches for artists. Experts like Dr. Karen Palmer argue that artists should consider AI not just as a tool but as a partner in the creative process. Embracing this mindset can lead to innovative results and shared creative experiences.

As technology evolves, artists who adapt and integrate these advancements will likely find new avenues for expression and connection. This ongoing dialogue between tradition and innovation will ultimately enrich the art world.