@Ink: The best way to start switching style is to start using photo reference and/or start drawing from life. Try to draw things as realistically as you can based off what you see. (The more realistic you go, the more you'll eventually be able to simplify/stylize from your imagination down the road.) 

It's always best to start out in realism because it's the base for every kind of drawing you can think of. (Everything from simplistic cartoons to high-quality renders.) The problem with starting off stylized (such as with anime) is that the anatomy has already been simplified by the artist, which means that, unless you already understand the structure of what you're drawing, it's setting you up to make errors. (Because you can't make stylistic choices like the artist is doing because you don't understand what it is you're simplifying.) 

Think of it like riding a bike -- everyone starts off with training wheels to help them. Think of those training wheels like working in realism. Start off with a solid base to balance and learn from, then when you're more comfortable, you can take those training wheels off and zip around, no problem! If you try to start without training wheels, it's not that it's [i]impossible[/i] to learn how to ride a bike that way, but it's going to take you much longer because it's going to be significantly more difficult. Don't simplify things before you're ready and your drawings, regardless of the style you want to draw in, will always have a push of believability that others will lack and you'll never be locked in to any one thing/style.

Eudoxa did a pretty good redline for you, so there's no need for me to be redundant. 

The drawing looks like it could turn out cute -- definitely keep posting progress shots as you go!

@ Eudoxa: This group is always open to new members. I'll add you to the roster -- welcome aboard!