AI-Generated Ghibli, Sonic Branding & April Fools Gone Wild

Hello there,

This week, we’re diving into a whirlwind of trends and insights—from dreamy AI-generated visuals sparking real-world legal questions to the power of sound in luxury branding. We’ve also got fresh research on how people’s moods affect ad response, plus a roundup of this year’s weirdest and wildest April Fools' pranks from brands. Let’s get into it

Ghibli-Style AI Images and the Copyright Debate

OpenAI’s latest image generation tools have gone viral for producing stunning visuals in the style of Studio Ghibli. But as artists marvel (and worry), it’s also reignited the debate over ownership, ethics, and how AI should interact with existing creative IP. The article dives into both the aesthetic craze and the legal gray areas that come with it.

Luxury is a Vibe… and a Sound

AMP’s latest sonic branding report explores how the world’s top luxury brands—from fashion to cars—are tapping into sound to elevate their presence. Whether it’s a soft chime or an orchestral swell, the right audio cue is becoming as iconic as a logo.

Busy vs. Relaxed: Why Context Matters in Ads

New research shows that people respond differently to ads depending on their mental state—busy people prefer one kind of messaging, while relaxed folks respond to another. If you’ve ever wondered what ads to serve and when to get those clicks, this one’s for you.

April Fools' 2025: Brands Gone Bananas

From Duolingo’s ridiculous pop album to McDonald’s launching a Big Mac fragrance, this year’s April Fools' stunts were as chaotic as ever. Some were surprisingly clever, others… not so much. Here’s a fun rundown of the best and worst pranks brands pulled.

That’s all for this week! As always, we’d love to hear your favorite story or trend—just hit reply and say hey 👋

Signing off,

Team ‘Luru