Oh, that's pretty ^^

Very pretty pic.

Yeah, I've used AI to mock up a ref and then commissioned real art before. I still worry about offending artists though.

I think it's fine anywhere you'd be fine using a stock image

presenting it as one's own art (or otherwise not disclosing it) is lying, is my line

Oh that's me!! Thank you again for accepting the idea, you breathed life into the concept. :D

_{Quick disclaimer: I didn't generate said reference image, but found it on Pinterest!}

Knowing you're fine with AI for refs brings a lot of relief to me, since I usually struggle to describe what I want (please don't attack me people, I only use AI for refs, and I've been disappointed many times by artists because I struggle to communicate my wants, and AI is finally a tool to help me with that). Now I am much more likely to seek a commission from Black_Kitty, when I have the funds! I have loved watching her posts over the years :3

Thats absolutely okay to create AI refs, really! AI can optimise what words can't do xD So don't be afraid to use it (I'm 100% tolerable to it) Will look forward to your commission in the future <3

Awesome! :3