We use references, from purchased sources or with permission when viable. We do not trace photographs or others' art. "AI" image generation is not involved knowingly in our workflows at any stage.
If we are paid to do something, everything in our power will be carried out to see the task completed.
We do our best to give credit where it is due, and sometimes even where it isn't. If you catch us not doing that, please let us know, as it is almost certainly in error.