How to Make Ghibli Art: A Simple Guide Full of Magic

Posted On July 14, 2025

Have you ever watched a Studio Ghibli movie and felt warm inside? Maybe it was the quiet beauty of a rainy street. Or a small girl flying on a broom through the sky. These moments feel special, almost like a dream. That’s what Ghibli art does—it makes simple things feel magical.

In this easy guide, you’ll learn how to make Ghibli art on your own. We’ll walk through simple tools, soft colors, and how to tell stories in your pictures. You don’t need to be a pro artist. You just need heart, a little time, and love for the small things in life.

What Makes Ghibli Art So Magical?

Before we begin drawing, let’s look at what makes Ghibli art stand out.

It Feels Real and Calm

Ghibli worlds are soft, quiet, and full of life. The wind moves the trees. Cats nap on rooftops. Light shines gently through old windows. These pictures make us feel peaceful, like we’re there too.

Nature Is Important

You’ll see a lot of trees, grass, rivers, and clouds in Ghibli films. Nature isn’t just the background—it’s part of the story. It feels alive and loving.

Details Tell a Story

A steaming cup of tea. A pair of shoes by the door. A bike leaning on a tree. These small things show us life is happening in the picture, even if no one’s talking.

What You Need to Start Ghibli Art

You don’t need much to get started. You can use digital tools or paper and paint.

Tools for Drawing

Digital Tools:

Tablet or iPad
Procreate, Photoshop, or Clip Studio Paint
Soft brushes and textured paper effects

Traditional Tools:

Sketchbook or watercolor paper
Pencils, colored pencils
Watercolors or markers
Fineliners for soft outlines

Choose what feels best for you. Both ways work well for Ghibli-style art.

Easy Steps to Make Ghibli Art

Now, let’s break it down into simple, fun steps.

Step 1: Think of a Cozy Scene

Start with an idea that feels warm or peaceful. Maybe it’s a cat sleeping by a window. Or someone baking bread in a small kitchen.

Ask yourself:

Where is this place?
What time of day is it?
What’s the feeling here?

Start simple. A strong feeling is better than a complex drawing.

Step 2: Make a Light Sketch

Use soft lines. Don’t worry about being perfect. Trees can lean. Houses can be a little crooked. That’s part of the charm.

Tip: Start with big shapes, then slowly add small things like windows, plants, or clouds.

Step 3: Use a Calm Layout

Ghibli art often uses the “rule of thirds.” This means the main thing is a little off-center. Leave space around your subject. It gives the scene room to breathe.

Also, try adding layers—like a plant in front, a character in the middle, and hills in the back. This makes the picture feel deep and real.

Step 4: Pick Soft, Earthy Colors

Use gentle colors like sky blue, grass green, dusty pink, and warm yellow. Try to avoid neon or very bright colors. Nature tones are best.

Tip: Add a light beige filter or texture over your picture. It makes it feel old and warm, like in the films.

Step 5: Light and Shadow

Ghibli scenes often glow with soft light. Use warm yellows for sunlight and cool blues for shade. Let the light fall across the scene gently.

Don’t make shadows too dark. Try using colors like grey-blue or soft brown.

Step 6: Add Life with Small Details

Add little things that tell a story. Maybe a tea cup on the table. A towel hanging to dry. A cat looking out the window. These details help the viewer imagine what’s happening in the world.

Think: “What just happened?” or “What might happen next?”

How to Make It Feel Like Ghibli

Tell a Simple Story

Even if it’s just a chair on a porch, try to tell a story. Was someone just sitting there? Are they coming back?

Use Real Feelings

Think about a place or moment that made you happy or calm. Draw that. Maybe a favorite corner in your room. Or your grandma’s kitchen.

Mix Real Life with Dream

In Ghibli art, things are real but also a little dreamy. Like a regular street, but with glowing fireflies. Try mixing real places with a bit of magic.

Practice Tips to Build Your Ghibli Style

You don’t have to draw perfect characters or scenes. Practice is all about having fun and learning step-by-step.

Watch Ghibli Movies Slowly

Pause a scene you love. Try drawing it. Focus on the colors and layout. Don’t copy the whole thing—just use it to learn.

Go Outside

Look at trees, clouds, and buildings. Notice how the light looks in the morning or afternoon. These are the kinds of details Ghibli artists use.

Use Your Own Memories

Draw something from your own life. Your school, your kitchen, your walk to the store. Ghibli art often shows regular places in a beautiful way.

read: ChatGPT Ghibli Art Generator: Turn Words into Magic in 2025

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to be perfect: Ghibli art is warm and soft. Let your lines wobble a little.
Using bright neon colors: Stick to soft and nature-inspired colors.
Adding too much: Keep it simple. A few good details are better than too many things.
Forgetting the story: Always try to show a feeling or a moment.

Extra Techniques to Try

Add Movement

Even a still picture can show motion. Draw leaves blowing, curtains swaying, or steam rising from tea.

Use Texture

Add paper texture or soft grain to make digital art feel hand-made.

Draw With Feeling

Don’t just draw things. Draw how they feel. A warm bed. A gentle breeze. A happy meal. That’s the Ghibli way.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a great artist to make beautiful Ghibli-style art. You just need to slow down, look at the small things, and draw with your heart.

The best Ghibli scenes are about simple moments. Washing dishes. Sitting by a river. Watching the sky.

Draw what matters to you. Add a little dream. And keep practicing. Every cozy scene you make brings more magic into the world.