When in doubt, dictionary.
Dictionary has spoken.
Although tbh, I’d be absolutely fine fluffing someone’s ego if they were giving me stuff for free. I generally prefer to do things myself, but hey, if I need some art, and they need some 
, then let’s make a deal. 
They should be taking constructive criticism and learning, but I’m not the one to give it, since I can’t do any digital art that doesn’t look like it was thrown together by a fifth grader who finished her computer lab assignment early.
I’d imagine tracing a copyrighted photo is still subject to its associated copyright. 
Definitely rude to trace non-copyrighted art and not give credit, though. Nothing wrong with tracing things for fun, but very rude to call it your own or try to pass/sell it like your own.