Utilizing references is so important to grow as an artist. I can't wrap my head around why it would ever be discouraged to reference photos or other pieces of art to build your visual library.

Sometimes I think people confuse referencing for tracing. Looking at an image to study how the lighting functions or to deconstruct anatomy =/= tracing/stealing/etc.

Build your reference folders. I have a pinterest account where I literally have folders for poses, faces, environments, etc. I save everything and anything I think I could reference later for a new piece of art.

I hope we continue to normalize this in the art community.