See how to take Studio Ghibli-style photos with ChatGPT

In recent days, the OpenAI announced the introduction of advanced imaging capabilities into the model GPT-4o, from ChatGPT. The update, in addition to improving the quality and accuracy of the generated images, also triggered creative opportunities, such as taking photos in the style of Studio Ghibli, an iconic Japanese studio. See how to create your own anime-style photos and get into the trends.

ChatGPT now edits images

Shortly after the release of the Deep Research, OpenAI arrived with an evolution of the image generation feature in the update GPT-4o. The system, which was previously only able to generate new images, can now refine images through natural, conversational interactions with the ChatGPT. The model maintains a consistent style and appearance of the character across multiple iterations.

For example, a user designing a video game character can iteratively refine its appearance through simple chat commands.

Photo trend in the style of Studio Ghibli

With the new arrivals, social media users began to convert personal photos and memes into images with characteristic features of the films. Studio Ghibli, internationally recognized for traditional animation techniques, meticulous sets and use of soft colors. Founded by Hayao Miyazaki e I in 1985, the studio consolidated itself as a reference in the film industry, with works such as My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and A Viagem de Chihiro (2001), frequently cited in studies on animation and pop culture.

Users have used the technology to transform selfies into anime characters reminiscent of the films of Ghibli and even apply aesthetics Ghibli to images of pets and popular internet memes. Even the Brazilian soccer star, Ronaldinho Gaucho, joined in the fun with a Ghibli-style image:

Step by step to recreate your photos in the Ghibli style

To transform your photos into the Ghibli style using the GPT-4o, the key is to provide detailed and specific prompts. Check out some images created with prompts related to Studio Ghibli:

Check out the step-by-step guide with prompts to help you start transforming photos into anime:

Step 1: Access your ChatGPT account via website or application:

Make sure you are using the ChatGPT with the model GPT-4o selected. If you have a Plus or Pro subscription, the GPT-4o is generally the default.

Step 2: Prepare your photo:

Once on the app or website's chat screen, select the photo you want to transform. Photos with good lighting and sharp details usually work best.

3. Create your Prompt:

Be specific about the style you want. Mention “Studio Ghibli","anime" or "manga” to guide the AI.

You can be even more specific when describing the Ghibli style characteristics you want to include, such as:

• Color palette: “Use a soft, pastel color palette.”
• Background: “Add a detailed, whimsical background, like a magical forest or a picturesque town.”
• Characters: “Draw the characters with big, expressive eyes, like in Ghibli films.”
• Specific Films: “Stylize the image like a scene from 'My Neighbor Totoro,' 'Spirited Away,' or 'Princess Mononoke.'

Prompt Examples

Basic:

"Crie uma imagem, inspirada nessa foto, utilizando o estilo do Studio Ghibli"

Detailed:

"Transforme esta foto em um personagem de anime com olhos grandes e expressivos, cabelo vibrante e um fundo detalhado inspirado em 'A Viagem de Chihiro'. Use uma paleta de cores suaves e adicione elementos mágicos."

Scene Focused:

"Crie uma paisagem de estilo anime baseada nesta foto, usando as técnicas suaves e pictóricas do Studio Ghibli e um foco em elementos naturais como florestas e criaturas extravagantes. Adicione uma atmosfera mágica e onírica."

Character Focused:

"Desenhe esta pessoa no estilo de um personagem do Studio Ghibli, com olhos grandes e expressivos, cabelo detalhado e roupas no estilo anime. Use uma paleta de cores suaves e adicione um fundo inspirado em 'O Serviço de Entregas da Kiki'."

Due to the limited number of attempts, it is recommended that users of the free service think carefully about the prompt and be as specific as possible, for an interesting result on the first attempt.

It is also worth remembering that the tool continues to be implemented and users of the free plan may be responded to by the old version, which may simply refuse to make the prompt, claiming that it goes against the platform's guidelines, as well as generating a generic image by GIVE HER, lightly inspired by your request.

The CEO of OpenAI, Sam altman, who adopted a personal image in the style Ghibli on your profile on X, spoke out in the early hours of this Friday, the 28th, stating that the GPUs of OpenAI after update GPT-4o were “melting” and that the ChatGPT has incorporated some technical limitations for now, which may cause your prompts to temporarily not work.

It’s super fun to see people loving images on ChatGPT. But our GPUs are melting down. We’re temporarily introducing some limits while we work on making the tool more efficient. Hopefully it won’t be too long! The free version of ChatGPT will be able to generate 3 images per day soon.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, on his X profile about the viral trend.

Altman's own statement was turned into memes in the studio's style. Ghibli by users of X, Look:

Have you ever thought about which photos you would like to immortalize in the style of the famous person? Studio Ghibli? Tell us in the comments if the service is already working for you.

Learn more about AI image editing

Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 28 / 03 / 2025.

Sources: New York Times, Newsweek, Business Insider