Can AI Be Creative? Exploring the Ghibli Trend

AI is stepping into the art world, evolving from just computer code. Tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion enable people to create stunning artwork using a few simple words. These tools have been trained from millions of images to understand patterns in light, texture, colour and form. When prompted, AI blends these patterns in unique and surprising ways to generate new images.  

Although AI doesn’t experience emotions or dreams like humans, the art it creates can evoke strong emotions and spark the imagination. AI mixes elements innovatively, coming up with combinations that humans may not have considered. It isn’t merely copying—it’s generating novel creations.  

What's the ‘Ghibli trend’? 

The recent trend of AI-generated Ghibli-style art is a perfect example of how AI intersects with human nostalgia and cultural icons. Studio Ghibli is known for its hand-drawn warmth, environmental storytelling, and emotional detail. Each film feels like a painting comes to life—gentle yet profound.

When AI creates Ghibli-style images, it doesn’t aim to replace the studio’s legacy. Instead, it offers new ways to celebrate it. This trend popularized Ghibli style among locals. The AI captures the aesthetic and familiar aspects that transport us into fantasy worlds. But beyond imitation, AI empowers people to tell their own stories in that style. It’s not a substitute for Ghibli—it’s a new form of visual storytelling inspired by it.

Is That Still Art and Creativity?

This raises an important question: if AI produces something beautiful and meaningful, is it still creative?  

The answer increasingly leans towards a “yes.” Creativity is not solely about emotional depth or originality—it also involves communication, exploration, and self-expression. As Dr. Margaret Boden noted, even machines can exhibit creative thinking by discovering new ways to combine known elements.  

Many artists today utilize AI not as a substitute, but as an enhancer. It aids them in generating new ideas, visualizing concepts rapidly, and expanding their stylistic boundaries. The human remains central as the storyteller—AI simply extends the creative possibilities, acting like a magical sketchbook that turns ideas into images instantly.  

Can AI replace Artists in the near future?

The Ghibli trend reflects that AI is not overtaking creativity—it’s democratizing it. Now, even those without drawing or painting skills can express themselves beautifully and meaningfully. AI doesn’t undermine traditional art—it complements it.  

True creativity transcends aesthetics—it’s about purpose, curiosity, and connection. With AI, we’re heading towards a future where collaboration between humans and machines might become the most inspiring art form of all.

References List

1. Boden, M. A. (1998). Creativity and artificial intelligence. Artificial Intelligence, 103(1-2), 347–356.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0004-3702(98)00055-1

2. Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Prize Lecture (2017). Exploring memory, imagination, and authorship.https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2017/ishiguro/lecture

3. Midjourney. (2023). User Showcase & Model Capabilities.https://www.midjourney.com

4. MIT Technology Review – Heaven, W. D. (2022). AI art tools are redefining creativity.https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/10/05/1060241/ai-art-generators-dalle-creativity-redefinition

5. OpenAI. (2022). DALL·E 2 Explained.https://openai.com/dall-e-2

6. Reddit communities – Subreddit: r/Midjourney, r/ArtificialIntelligence

7. Studio Ghibli Official Website – About Ghibli's artistic philosophy and process.https://www.ghibli.jp

8. The Verge – Vincent, J. (2022). AI-generated art is already transforming creative industries.https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/15/23306120/ai-art-midjourney-stable-diffusion-dalle-creative-industries