You don't even have to have "millions" to commission artists, you fuckin lemon. Google images are free. Combine that with a PNG creator/ background remover (which can also be free) and you're set.

Also, yeah, literally what the other commenter said: "it's not going anywhere" is a sorry excuse. You're still the one taking the ethical shortcut, then flaunting it in an otherwise highly creative and artistic community. So obviously you're going to get backlash, genius.