I do appreciate transparency. Being honest is better than lying.
But the bottom line is you are still using a technology that devalues human creativity, puts artists out of work while stealing off them, and ultimately produces mediocre results. Being transparent about your use of that technology does not really absolve you of those things.
I know I can't really blame you for that choice since it was apparently mandated by your school but i still hope you think about this and consider working with artists, choosing media that do not require 2d art, or using stock art for future projects. They are more ethical choices and, in my opinion, result in better results.
