The Buzz Around ChatGPT Generated Studio Ghibli Art: Is AI Redefining Creativity?

A controversy was spurred few days ago following the trend on X that had several online users generating images in Studio Ghibli style on ChatGPT

The Buzz Around Studio Ghibli Art

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on creating machines capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, problem-solving, creativity, and, in recent years, the generation of visual art. AI-generated art refers to artwork created or assisted by artificial intelligence, often using deep learning models trained on vast datasets of existing images. A controversy was spurred few days ago following the trend on X that had several online users generating images in Studio Ghibli style on OpenAI's ChatGPT with the prompts having the studio's name incorporated.

AI technology has led to the rise of AI tools that can mimic the artistic styles of famous creators, including Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki, is celebrated for its hand-drawn animation, intricate details, and emotionally rich storytelling. The studio's distinct art style features soft color palettes, painterly backgrounds, expressive characters, and a sense of whimsy that brings even the most fantastical worlds to life. AI-generated images that replicate this style have recently surged in popularity, sparking debates about the nature of creativity, artistic ownership, and the role of AI in the arts.

At the heart of the discussion lies a fundamental question: Is AI redefining creativity, or is it merely an advanced tool of imitation?

Traditionally, creativity has been viewed as a deeply human trait, rooted in imagination, experience, and personal expression. However, AI challenges this notion by producing visually compelling artworks without human emotions or lived experiences. These AI systems do not "create" in the way a human artist does—they analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and generate images based on learned aesthetics. This raises the question of whether AI-generated art is a new form of artistic evolution or simply an echo of existing human creativity. 

AI is "Utterly Disgusting" and "Insult to Life Itself"

Hayao Miyazaki has been popularly known to show stiff disdain to the incorporation of AI to animation, criticizing it as "utterly disgusting" and "an insult to life itself". He further stated that he would "never wish to incorporate this technology into [his] work at all".

In similar instances, other creative scholars have supported Miyazaki's critical perception of AI. Deborah Szapiro, an academic specialising in design, animation and interaction, gave more ethical and emotional foundation to her argument. In her interview with ABC, she said that:

"[OpenAI's ChatGPT] is not replicating or mimicking it, it's stealing it...And in actual fact, none of it actually retains the soul of any artwork because what's happening with it is that it's kind of like the world's biggest photocopier, whilst it's stealing...They do not understand art, they understand profit, so it can't possibly capture the soul of Miyazaki's artwork". 

She further said that "Almost anyone under 35 in the Western world has grown up with Ghibli films and that comfort and safeness and the beauty of Miyazaki's world is being exploited in this case."

Does AI Art Pose a Sordid Threat to Human Creatives?

While the uncontrolled proliferation of Ghibli-style content on the internet continues, one of the biggest concerns surrounding AI-generated art is its impact on human creatives. Artists spend years refining their craft, developing unique styles, and building careers based on originality. With AI capable of producing high-quality images in mere seconds, many fear it could devalue human artistry and reduce job opportunities for illustrators, concept artists, and designers. 

Some argue that the widespread use of AI-generated art could saturate the market with derivative works, making it harder for human artists to stand out. Additionally, legal and ethical concerns arise when AI-generated works mimic specific styles without consent, leading to debates about intellectual property rights.

Controversy About The Ownership of AI Art

The question of artistic ownership is another pressing issue. Can an art style truly belong to someone? While specific artworks are protected by copyright, an artistic style itself is not legally owned. Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic has inspired countless artists over the years, and imitation has long been a part of artistic evolution.

However, AI’s ability to replicate styles at an unprecedented scale blurs the line between inspiration and unauthorized reproduction. 

The Blurry Line Between Innovation and Imitation 

The concern about AI is not just about legality but also about artistic integrity—when AI generates a Ghibli-style image, does it contribute to the art world, or does it diminish the uniqueness of the original artists' work? This debate ultimately leads to the distinction between innovation and imitation. 

AI is undoubtedly a groundbreaking tool, capable of assisting human creativity in new and exciting ways. Some artists have embraced AI as a collaborator, using it to experiment with ideas and enhance their creative process. 

Others, however, see it as a threat, arguing that AI-generated works lack the depth, intent, and soul that define true artistic expression. While AI can mimic aesthetics with remarkable accuracy, it does not possess the emotional depth, personal experiences, or intentionality that fuel human creativity.

This argument holds weight, but several art studios and independent creators may still prefer to take a shortcut by using AI-generated art styles rather than working with human artists, as AI offers speed, reliability, efficiency even if they lack originality. 

Additionally, since AI does not require wages, royalties, or creative rights, businesses can maximize profits without having to share returns, making it an even more attractive option for cost-conscious studios.

Is AI Redefining Creativity?

When AI is used as a tool to enhance human creativity—assisting with design elements, generating ideas, or streamlining workflow—it can be a source of innovation. However, when it replaces human effort entirely, the risk arises that art becomes nothing more than an automated process, devoid of the personal struggles, emotions, and experiences that make it meaningful.

The over-reliance on AI-generated content could lead to a homogenization of artistic styles, where creativity is no longer about personal expression but rather about refining algorithms for aesthetic appeal. 

The danger is not just that AI produces art—it is that it may reshape our expectations of what art should be, prioritizing efficiency and replication over originality and depth.

In conclusion, AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style art forces us to reevaluate our definitions of creativity and artistic ownership. While AI presents new possibilities for artistic expression, it also raises ethical concerns about authenticity, originality, and the future of human artistry. Ultimately, AI art generation is more of an imitation than an innovation.

While it represents a technological advancement, it does not introduce new ideas or perspectives in the way human creativity does. Instead, it repackages existing styles, producing visually impressive but fundamentally derivative works. However, the true impact of AI on the art world will depend on how it is used—whether as a tool for inspiration or as a shortcut that undermines artistic ingenuity.