How to Create Ghibli Images for Free
Studio Ghibli’s signature aesthetic — its visuals reminded viewers of the lush forests of Totoro and the ethereal bathhouses of Spirited Away — continues to enchant fans around the world with its dreamlike surroundings, soft colors and heartfelt details. Want to have a go at making your own Ghibli-inspired images for free? You don’t need any fancy software, or expensive supplies! Follow this guide to make your artwork as Miyazaki-like as possible, using a bunch of free tools, whether you’re drawing digitally or traditionally. Let’s unlock the magic!
The Idea Step 1: Find Vitale in Ghibli’s World
To start, immerse yourself in that Ghibli vibe. You can view clips on free websites such as YouTube (try searching for official trailers or breakdowns of scenes) or peruse fan art on sites like DeviantArt. Notice:
The Role of Nature: Flowing rivers, puffy clouds and overgrown greenery.
Whispery Tones: Muted pastels and natural colors.
Tiny Details: A scuttling bug or a lilting leaf.
(Use a notebook — or a scrap paper) jot down ideas or sketch some doodles quickly to record whatever ignites your imagination.
Step 2: Gather Free Tools
You do not require a large budget to begin. Here’s what you can use:
Digital Art: Use these free programs:
Pen tool: Krita (Free) — powerful, open-source drawing tool featuring various brushes
GIMP: A painting and editing powerhouse with a watercolor type of feel.
Recommended: MediBang Paint — Lightweight and great for beginners, cloud saving.
Traditional Art: Use what you already have — pencils, pens, crayons or that watercolor set you bought to send to school with the kids.
Device: You can use a phone, tablet or computer. No tablet? Use a mouse or a finger on a touchscreen to draw!
These tools are 100% free and commonly available—Google them to download them securely from official websites.
Step 3: Assemble Your Own Ghibli Scene
Speaking of story, every Ghibli image has one. Put pen to paper or open a blank canvas and brainstorm:
Setting: A misty forest? A quiet village at dusk?
Mood: Chaotic, magical or adventurous?
Focal Point: A lone tree, a wandering kid, or a tiny ghost?
Sketch a rough layout. Ghibli loves to help the eye flow with curves — like a crooked path or a river — so keep it flowing and organic.
Step 4: Create Magical Worlds
Ghibli’s atmospheres seem to breathe. Here’s how to ace them for free:
Shapes: Create organic, wavy figures for hills, trees and clouds. No rulers — let it feel handmade.
Depth: Introduce planes (bushes up front, a house in the center, mountains in back). Use separate layers for free adjustments in Krita or GIMP.
Texture: Use short, scribbly strokes to suggest grass or water. Free brush packs available online (try “Krita free brushes”) can add Ghibli-esque flair.
If you’re using pencils, shade lightly to create depths (no fancy supplies necessary!)
Step 5: Choose a Soft, Free Color Palette
Ghibli’s colors are soft and well-matched. For free coloring:
Digital: Use the color-wheel tool in your app. Found some soft greens, blues, and pinks from Ghibli screenshots (just Google Image search for them online). Use the smudge tool to blend, creating smooth gradients.
Classic: Blend simple crayons or pencils — blue + yellow for muted green, red + white for dusty pink. Lightly applied for that soft Ghibli glow.
Use 4-5 colours to get a cohesive piece, make sure to test them out on a corner of your canvas or paper.
Step 6: Add Simple Characters (Optional)
Characters make your scene come alive. Keep them Ghibli-style:
Design: Oversized eyes, small features, and loose, flowing garments. Think Totoro or Chihiro.
Poses: Rock the emotion — a kid chasing a butterfly or a spirit peeking from behind a bush.
Keep your colours similar to the background (green cloak in a forest)
In free apps, create characters on a new layer so you can adjust them without ruining your landscape.
Step 7: Add in Glimmers of Magic
And this is where your image comes out to play! Add freehand details like:
Small creatures (a frog, a bird or a fictitious sprite).
Nature in motion (swaying grass, rippling water).
Or subtle effects (mist with light scribbles or stars with dots).
Use a small brush and zoom in, digitally. The classic choice is marvel with a pencil or a thin pen. These little touches bring your world to life — something straight out of a Ghibli movie!
Step 8: Share Away Your Masterpiece
When you’re satisfied, save your work (digital: export it as a PNG; traditional: photograph it with your phone). Share it with friends or post it on free options like Twitter, Instagram, or a Ghibli fan group on Reddit. You’ve just made the magic, and for free!
Final Tips
Learn to be patient: Ghibli’s magic is built on care, not speed.
Experiment: Use free tools until something clicks.
Have fun: Tap into your inner Miyazaki and run wild with your imagination.
With free resources and a dash of creativity, you’re poised to create Ghibli-inspired images that look and feel like a warm embrace from a forest spirit. What is your first scene going to be?
Also Read : How to Create Ghibli-Style Images
