There’s a new craze taking over the entire worldwide web! With a little rethink of the prompt, users are rushing to produce Studio Ghibli-esque images using OpenAI’s new functionality in ChatGPT. Picture this OpenAI recently launched built-in, native image-generation capabilities for its GPT-4o model. This announcement, made on a Tuesday, launched an unprecedented wave of creativity. The trend has taken on amazing viral strength. As OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joked, “our GPUs are melting” over the astounding demand for these images.
Almost immediately after the announcement, the net turned into a colorful, Studio Ghibli-inspired paradise. Now, users can unlock amazing new capabilities with the premium tiers of ChatGPT. Beginning at only $20 a month, paying subscribers are able to upload any character and have them beautifully re-imagined in the signature style of Studio Ghibli. This creative freedom aligns with OpenAI’s stated goal to “give users as much creative freedom as possible.”
The popularity of this new wave of AI-generated Studio Ghibli memes hasn’t been without backlash. Critics have already raised serious concerns about how accurate those impressions AI is generating actually are. They wonder if the models have inappropriately borrowed from Studio Ghibli’s creations without authorization. The iconic animator Hayao Miyazaki already complained about AI art, calling it “an insult to life itself.”
“Many of the artworks you plan to auction were created using AI models that are known to be trained on copyrighted work without a license.” This statement points to a larger issue within the artistic community regarding the exploitation of human artists to develop commercial AI products.
In response to the situation, an OpenAI spokesperson stated, “we continue to prevent generations in the style of individual living artists, but we do permit broader studio styles—which people have used to generate and share some truly delightful and inspired original fan creations.” By marrying a commitment to creative expression with a healthy respect for artists’ rights, this is the approach we intend to take.
This trend exploded when Altman made the call to change his X profile picture to a Studio Ghibli aesthetic. This regulatory reform resulted in a tidal wave of public enthusiasm for the trend. As users explore these new tools, they only add to an ever-growing universe of AI-assisted creativity.
Despite this excitement, early adopters have begun to complain about the quality of AI-generated works. As one X user put it, that’s about “the very definition of AI slop.” This critique is yet another example of the moral panic that surrounds the perceived quality and authenticity of AI-generated art versus that created by human artists.
So far, Studio Ghibli hasn’t responded to attempts to contact them for further comment about this phenomenon. Yet, the studio’s legacy is deeply felt in debates today over artistic integrity. As creators of all kinds begin to use these new technologies, they do so in an environment filled with ethical challenges.