This is my first thread on the forum. I apologize in advance if anything doesn't fit the exact purpose of this forum.
I just finished my first feature-length film score as the secondary composer. The film is fairly big with several huge acotrs here in China. I am very excited because it is the first time I could see my name in the credit list as a composer. The whole working experience and the recording sessions with real players just made me want to write more and more music. I feel so energetic even after several weeks of very exhausting writing.
However I do realize that there is still a very long way for me to go. The gap between me and other talented composers is obvious. I believe I have passed the beginner phase, but when it comes to more advanced techniques I found myself frequently "copying" great composer's ideas in terms of orchestration, texture, and sometimes even harmony. Although I sure am not using these ideas directly, I always try to only use the concept or at least alter the sound to fit in my piece. This is an old topic as "borrowing" vs "plagiarism". However in my case, I feel like I am on a point where I simply cannot progress anymore if I don't study or "borrow" others' ideas.
Do you guys find this is an issue? How did you overcome this problem? Is there any other ways to practice in order to becoming a better composer?
Happy new years to everyone!