In the ever-evolving world of digital art, one trend has gone viral with what appears to be instant. Ai-generated art imitating Studio Ghibli’s whimsical style. For many Nigerians, especially young illustrators who build crafts on platforms like Instagram, the rise of AI-powered aesthetics raises urgent questions. Will the machines steal the work of those who spent instantly learning this art form?
Ghibli AI: Fast and Free
Enter “Peaceful Nigerian Village in the Gibli Art Style” and enter it into AI art generators like Midjourney or Dall E, within seconds you will have a hand-drawn image imitation. The color is soft. The landscape is intended to look like a dream, and this is all created without a brush, pen or artist.
This kind of content is quickly flooding social media. It’s a trend, it becomes something you like and takes nothing. But there is deeper concern behind the clean visuals. If someone with the prompts can now replicate this art style, what happens to the artists who have trained for years to produce it?
Nigerians got caught between praise and anger
For many Nigerian creatives, there is no appeal to Ghibli style art, especially on Twitter. Non-creators enjoy using this feature, creating something they believe to be nostalgic, calm and visually rich, but artists shook their heads everywhere.
Some local artists report that their clients are asking them to “make something like this AI,” but only a small portion of the price. Others see the original art compared to the versions generated with free AI on social media.
Does ai really understand Ghibli?
There are things that give peace to the artist, but AI can mimic the appearance of Ghibli, but it does not understand its soul. Studio Ghibli’s magic consists of emotions, culture and storytelling. It evokes childhood emotions, the tranquility of nature, and the dignity of everyday people.
AI art often lacks its depth. You can reproduce a color palette and mimic the visual ratios, but I don’t know why it’s important. Most AI works can be discovered due to their lack of souls, and Nigerian illustrators bring their culture, emotions and identity to their work are always excellent.
Accept the tools without losing artists
Rather than fighting AI, some artists are finding ways to use it. They use Ghibli-style AI as a mood board, inspiration starter, and even part of the process. They say the key is not to compete with the machine, but to provide the nuances and emotions that cannot be done.
In the long run, clients and audiences still crave work for something that feels realistic. And its authenticity rooted in living experience cannot be imitated by AI
The future of gibli illustrations in Nigeria
Ghibli-style AI art hasn’t disappeared, but there is also no human need for meaningful creativity. Nigerian artists may feel pressured right now, but those who continue to build their communities around their work are more likely to thrive.
So, what do you think about Ghibli style art? Is that something you trust? Please let us know below.
