>>48885739I'll post my not-waifu-but-character-I-love then.
Also, many people will tell you drawing from life is better.
But it actually depends on the person.
Some of us happen to be better at absorbing the common characteristics between drawings without really needing to draw a realistic style.
Maybe, drawing real life would make a more solid base, but you'll most probably enjoy drawing manga-style more.
Also, look for mark crilley on youtube. He has Some nice tutorials.
He's not the best artist, but has a lot of videos, and it's ok, you'll probably enjoy them at least.