Are they really an artist?
If someone only uses references (to the point they copy the art style, content, etc of the reference) would you call them an artist? if they don’t have a consistent art style, since they only use the style of what they’re using as a reference? (yes, this is about a person in my life)
edit: they do not have an understanding of any art anatomy, they do trace digitally (over images from shows, games, etc) do not use a base to draw anything, even physically they just use a reference and copy down the lines of the drawing line for line.