Who is Grant Slatton? Meet the engineer whose AI-generated Ghibli portraits took internet by storm

Seattle-based software engineer Grant Slatton has become the face of a viral AI art trend, transforming everyday photos into stunning Studio Ghibli-style portraits. His creative use of AI has captivated millions online, igniting debates about technology’s role in artistic expression.

Slatton’s rise to internet fame began after OpenAI launched its latest image-generation feature on March 26, 2025. Recognising its potential, he used it to reimagine a family photo—featuring himself, his wife, and their dog—in the whimsical, hand-drawn style synonymous with Studio Ghibli.