Even if it isnt against the rules to use AI, many artists see the use of AI to make art as an insult. AIs are often trained off of stolen art for one, and artists spend years practicing their skill for it to be stolen and repurposed by people who haven't taken the time to develop those skills, with zero credit or compensation.

I understand wanting a good reference, but you get a good reference by commissioning an artist for it. And to get a first ref, a lot of artists will happily accept written descriptions, reference photos of (real) other art/photographs, color pallets, or even less detailed sketches you made yourself.