My childhood was as colorful as that of many other millennials. It was the golden age of television, a time when technology was slowly transitioning from analog to digital, and the outdoors remained a paradise waiting to be explored. My fondest memories growing up involved watching cartoons. These were either inspired or directly created by Studio Ghibli. These whimsical tales, with their lush worlds and deeply human characters, shaped my early imagination. Recently, I came across a growing trend online --AI-generated images done in the “Ghibli style.” It piqued my curiosity, rekindling memories of my younger years. It felt like an attempt to blend the magic of the past with the tools of the present --though not without ethical and legal baggage along the way.
The creator of the original Ghibli art style, Hayao Miyazaki, has been vocal in his opposition to AI in the arts. His disapproval stems from a deep belief in the soul of hand-drawn animation, something that machines can mimic but never truly replicate. Meanwhile, the internet remains split. Some people see these AI-generated images as fun and visually stunning. Others, especially those who advocate for ethical practices in the creative industry, view them as problematic. I personally don’t know Miyazaki, but I deeply admire his work. He painted our childhood with wonder and made the mundane feel magical. His commitment to storytelling and craftsmanship deserves respect --not replication without acknowledgment.
There are significant legal implications when it comes to using and replicating artistic styles, and admittedly, I’m not an expert in this field. However, I can share some insights. The rights and privileges of artists often rest on fine print, which can easily be overlooked or exploited. I commend studios and institutions that prioritize the interests and protections of artists. The creative world can be quite gray, especially when profit enters the picture. It’s high time that the business side of art leaned in favor of its creators, not just those who capitalize on their work.
AI, in my view, should be seen as a tool --not a foe. However, in this case, it feels as though a line has been crossed. AI-generated images styled like Ghibli’s are being widely used as profile pictures and marketing material, gaining traction and visibility, all while relying on a style that doesn’t belong to the public domain. There’s also an uncomfortable silence about user data and privacy. I wonder what happens to the photos people upload for AI manipulation and where they end up.
This brings us back to the age-old conversation: art versus technology. Once again, there's a looming fear of human creativity being replaced by machines. I believe we should redirect this fear into something productive --highlighting how AI can support, not overshadow, genuine creativity.
Technology has offered us incredible convenience, but it can never replace the warmth, vulnerability, and soul of human connection. Art is, by nature, human. It’s a mirror of our experiences, emotions, and dreams. It deserves to be treated with the reverence that only true human effort can inspire.