I would not say it is cheating myself. I have been in the business for going on 28 years, I have had the pleasure of talking to and learning from quite a a lot of old timers, and some of the new artists as well. Add the fact that I can ask a question here or pick up the phone and call artists that I know if I get stuck with a technique I'm sure I have all my bases covered. Watching a movie won't help me if I can't ask a question. I'm don't think I am denying myself of anything really, I just prefer a different route.
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