Nilanjan Das, Group Creative Editor at India Today Group, chats with TK Sajeev of newspaperdesign.in about the rising sensation, Ghibli
How do you think Studio Ghibli’s signature aesthetic—its hand-drawn animation, detailed backgrounds, and storytelling—has shaped the broader world of design?
Studio Ghibli has shown that design can be powerful through quiet beauty and emotional storytelling. It’s influenced many designers to focus on feeling, atmosphere, and detail.
Ghibli version of Nilanjan Das’s Ai PopStar Ruh https://www.instagram.com/ruhmusicofficial?igsh=MW5hN2tmcDBqZm1idw==
What elements of Ghibli’s design philosophy do you think modern designers should still hold onto, despite the rise of AI-generated art?
Designers should hold onto emotional depth, attention to detail, and the human connection in storytelling. These timeless values still matter, even with AI tools.
Ghibli is known for its emotional depth and human touch. Do you think AI can ever replicate that, or will AI-generated design always lack something essential?
AI can copy emotion, but it doesn’t truly feel. Ghibli’s human touch comes from real experiences, which AI can’t fully understand or recreate.
Aurangzeb
With AI tools becoming more sophisticated, how do you see the role of designers evolving? Will they become more like curators and editors rather than creators?
Designers will still be creators, but they’ll also guide and shape what AI produces. Their role will mix creativity with decision-making.
Ai pop star Aishan https://www.instagram.com/aishanmusicofficiall?igsh=ZWtsMXVjcnBwaXl1
Some fear that AI could replace traditional animation techniques. Do you think Ghibli’s style can survive in an industry increasingly dominated by AI-powered workflows?
Yes, Ghibli’s style can survive. Its emotional and handmade feel will always stand out, even in a world full of AI-generated work.
Can AI be used in a way that complements Ghibli-style hand-drawn animation rather than replacing it? Are there any current examples of this happening?
AI can assist with tasks like inbetweening or coloring, allowing artists to focus on the creative aspects. Some studios already use AI to support, rather than replace, hand-drawn work
Nilanjan and his doberman “Bambi”
As AI-generated content becomes more prevalent, how can designers ensure that storytelling remains human-centric, as Ghibli has always done?
By starting with real human experiences and emotions. Designers must lead with heart—AI can assist, but not replace that.
What skills do you think designers should focus on developing to stay relevant in this rapidly changing landscape?
Designers should build skills in storytelling, creativity, emotional intelligence, and learning how to guide AI tools. Human ideas and meaning will stay important.
Hayao Miyazaki / Nilanjan Das
If Hayao Miyazaki were starting out today in an AI-driven world, do you think he would embrace AI tools or resist them?
He might resist at first because he loves traditional art, but he could use AI in small ways if it helped tell deeper stories without losing his unique style.
Do you see a future where AI can help independent designers and small studios create Ghibli-like work without massive budgets and large teams?
Definitely. AI can help small teams or solo creators make big, beautiful projects. With strong vision, even one person can make something Ghibli-like
