thats usually how most people start (at least people I know). I never drew an anime character from an actual series, I've got failed attempts at drawing anime people but thats about it
when you start without any sensei, then you'll have to start drawing by copying another pictures
and it works for me, eventually you'll start making your own characters
if you have taken interest in drawing, then try to improve it
haha, oh god this brings back memories, when I was in 7th grad I drew a picture of Tobi from Naruto, and it was terrible, but it's what got me into drawing anime.