Origional picture is very nice but the pa is sorta... crap..

A few small tips:
-Never save as JPG
if you use paint (I recommend that for beginners) save as PNG

-Upload on imageshack, copy the direct link and place it between [img] and [/img]

-Remove the 'jaggies', make your lines 1 px thick and let them flow smoothly

-start with smaller pieces. They take less time, and you learn way more of them

-try to show in image where the lightsource is reflected and where not.. if you compare with your photo, the pixel art is very flat.. in the photo you have lighter and darker places, witch gives objects some depth.

-Remove the black lines, change them for another color.. for example when changing the lines of brown hair, make the lines dark brown..

-Remove the weird background

When you have done all this, I think you are way further!
Btw, the folds are done very nicely, I allways have alot of problems with them!

I hope I can be of a help!
Greets,
Lollige

(oh and Welcome on PJ )

Well, I'm afraid this simply aint pixel art. this is oekaki at the most.
A quick pixel sketch if you must.
You need to clean up the lines, and add shading etc.
Look up some tutorials and defenitions of pixel art.

When I saw your friend, I thought of Benicio Del Toro's "Dr. Gonzo" character in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Do you look like Hunter S. Thompson? You could do yourself and your friend, similar to this photo.