Studio Ghibli films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle have a unique and enchanting art style. Many artists want to recreate this magical aesthetic in their own work. If you’re wondering how to make Ghibli art, this guide will help you understand the key elements, techniques, and tools needed to capture that dreamy, hand-painted look.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The characteristics of Ghibli-style art
- Essential tools and software for digital and traditional art
- Step-by-step process to draw Ghibli backgrounds and characters
- Tips for coloring and shading like a Studio Ghibli artist
- FAQs to answer common questions
Let’s dive in!
Understanding the Ghibli Art Style
Studio Ghibli’s art is known for its:
- Soft, painterly textures – The artwork looks traditionally painted, even in digital form.
- Natural, flowing lines – Characters and backgrounds have smooth, organic shapes.
- Vibrant yet muted colors – Colors are rich but not overly bright, creating a nostalgic feel.
- Detailed, lively backgrounds – Every scene feels alive with movement, like rustling leaves or drifting clouds.
To recreate this style, focus on fluid shapes, gentle shading, and a balance between simplicity and detail.
Tools You’ll Need for Ghibli-Style Art
Traditional Art Supplies
- Watercolors or gouache – Ghibli backgrounds often mimic watercolor textures.
- Colored pencils – Great for adding fine details.
- Soft pastels – Useful for blending smooth skies and clouds.
- High-quality paper – Thick, textured paper works best for traditional painting.
Digital Art Tools
- Drawing tablet (e.g., Wacom, Huion) – Essential for digital painting.
- Software – Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint, Procreate, or Krita (free alternative).
- Custom brushes – Look for watercolor, oil paint, and soft airbrush brushes to mimic Ghibli’s style.
Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Ghibli Art
Step 1: Sketching the Character or Scene
- Start with light, loose pencil strokes to outline your subject.
- Ghibli characters have large, expressive eyes, small noses, and soft facial features.
- Avoid sharp angles—curved, flowing lines are key.
Step 2: Inking the Lines
- Use a fine liner or a digital ink brush to trace your sketch.
- Keep lines smooth and slightly uneven for a hand-drawn feel.
- Vary line thickness—thicker outlines for main shapes, thinner for details.
Step 3: Coloring Like a Ghibli Artist
- Base colors: Choose soft, natural tones (avoid neon colors).
- Shading: Use gentle gradients instead of harsh shadows.
- Highlights: Add subtle light reflections (e.g., on hair, eyes, or water).
Step 4: Painting Ghibli-Style Backgrounds
- Layers are important—start with the sky, then add distant mountains, trees, and foreground details.
- Use textured brushes to create a painted look.
- Add movement with floating dust, wind effects, or flowing water.
Tips to Perfect Your Ghibli Art
Study Ghibli films – Pause scenes to observe how light and colors work. Practice nature sketches – Ghibli art thrives on organic shapes (clouds, trees, hills). Blend colors softly – Avoid hard edges unless needed for contrast. Add imperfections – A slightly messy stroke can make art feel more alive.
FAQs: How to Make Ghibli Art
1. What brushes should I use for Ghibli-style digital art?
- Watercolor brushes (for backgrounds)
- Soft round brushes (for shading)
- Texture brushes (for clouds, grass, and foliage)
2. How do I make my art look hand-painted like Studio Ghibli?
- Avoid overly smooth digital shading—use textured brushes.
- Add subtle paper grain or noise in post-processing.
- Keep strokes visible and slightly uneven for a traditional feel.
3. Can I make Ghibli art with free software?
Yes! Krita and MediBang Paint offer free brushes that work well for Ghibli-style art.
4. What’s the best way to learn Ghibli’s background style?
- Study real landscapes and simplify them into shapes.
- Paint from Ghibli movie stills to understand composition.
- Use layers—start with distant objects, then add midground and foreground details.
5. How do I draw Ghibli-style eyes?
- Big, round, and shiny with multiple light reflections.
- Dark outer rims with soft inner shading.
- Slightly asymmetrical for a natural look.
Read Also:- Free Ghibli-Style Image Generator: Create Stunning Art with ChatGPT
Final Thoughts
Creating Ghibli-style art takes practice, but by focusing on soft shapes, gentle colors, and lively details, you can capture that magical Studio Ghibli feel. Whether you’re working digitally or traditionally, the key is to keep your art fluid and expressive.
Start with simple sketches, experiment with textures, and most importantly—have fun! The world of Ghibli is all about wonder and imagination, so let your creativity flow.