Hey guys--I'm in a dilemma--I really, really, sincerely want to take up art as a career. I'm not particularly interested in fine arts or new media, but I've been pushing myself outside of Deviantart (lol, my gallery here's just full of anime fan-arty stuff at the moment...but in real life, I try to do more than just that. xD Take my word for it, please!!) to explore some realism and abstract art, as well as mixed media.
Doing that was (and is) really difficult for me because I've practically stayed in a bit of a comfort zone filled with anime/manga since I was a kid...(I really regret that at this point, haha.) I actually switched on and off from a disney/pixar-esque style to anime at certain points so I can be a bit versatile when it comes to styles...I think I can definitely get back into a more of a western animation inspired style if I must. I can also be more flexible with anime/manga as well, because I've been exploring all sorts of different styles after the switch.
As for the subjects I work with...I can work with both animals and people. I used to draw animals a lot during my youngest years and then started to focus on people a bit later.Granted, I need a SHITTON of practice with anatomy. Ugh, it seems that no matter how much I keep practicing, I learn something new each time. I wonder how long I would have to learn and practice until I'm satisfied?... I also need to work my ass off to improve my sense of proportion, perspective, and develop some basic skills I lack such as coloring and shading properly. *shakes head*

Oh, anyway, those are some problems that I can work out (or at least, begin addressing them) by myself. There's another huge problem--I do not go to an art school, and the art professors who teach in my university are reaaally into fine + traditional art. Although fine and traditional art can be interesting, it's not really what I'm passionate about. And unfortunately, we don't have anything here that I personally would have loved to immerse myself in--like animation, storyboarding, and graphic design in general.
I would ask my professors for some advice in starting up my career, but I fear that their opinions would clash with mine. And I doubt that they are well acquainted with the mediums and topics that interest me.

So the bottom-line question is: If one wants to become an animator, or a story-boarder, a cartoonist, etc, what are some steps one must take?
I am a complete NOOB--any advice/suggestions would be most appreciated!!!

And Also, I wanted to ask some advice on building a portfolio. If it's all right, can any of you (especially those of you who are experienced in making and presenting portfolios) please give me an idea/explanation of what an adequate/interesting portfolio is composed of? Is variety key? Or can it be more uniform? Does it need an overall theme? Ahhh I am so lost!!

I'm so sorry for making you read all this and thank you for bearing with me. And also, thanks in advance for the help!!!