Kind of lost right now

[leptonish]

I lost all my 3D portfolio through that computer (AND my external hard-drive corrupted) so I am pretty worried. Within a year timeframe, is it possible for me to build a portfolio and go looking for some art internships around the Los Angeles area?
Yes. I've had the experience of losing a computer dying on me so I know what you are experiencing. I've also had to rebuild a 2d portfolio because I only had a few pieces on cd. Although at the time it seemed like a lot of work to rebuild a portfiolio, I realized the majority of my older work was not representative of my skills today. So I really didn't lose that much. Although a 3d portfiolio may take longer to build than a 2d portfolio, it seems like it'd be doable in your case.

Or perhaps I can attempt to transfer to CalArts
Think carefully about transferring. Think of how you can achieve what you want in your current situation before transferring. If it's not possible, then transferring would be the thing to do. Sometimes why you think you're unhappy is not the actual reason why you are.

[BertoJPS]

, I realized the majority of my older work was not representative of my skills today. Really glad you said that. Upon some reflection, I know I can do a lot better with my skills now if I really go at it. I'm pretty much unhappy only because of the fact that an aimless college student with no focus is the scariest thing to their parent, wavering between different kinds of studies, changing majors and interests, and in general, wasting their time and investment. I have an interest in CalArts only because I am going to a university where art is not it's biggest focus and there really is no specialization in the field I wish to pursue (primarily animation in entertainment) and I also was fortunate enough to have a 1-on-1 conversation with former Disney animator, Randy Fullmer though I haven't had the courage to contact him recently so Ive been browsing several CG/3d oriented sites for people with similar predicaments.

[goatrape]

I feel ya Berto...i graduated from SCAD a long time ago with a degree in CG and a couple minors.... unfortunately or fortunately..im a graphic designer right now and i do have to say im happy to be working in the art field.... it aint CG but i still have fun and enjoy the people i work with. Some of the art schools can get pretty expensive and i might be wrong on this but during my time at SCAD i learned more on my own from forums like this one, books and various online resources (lynda.com, digitaltutors.com...etc.) The school's integrity has probably improved since I have been there so i cant really slam it too hard :)
Sucks bout your computer issue :(
If you work at it you would be amazed at how much you can REALLY accomplish in a year...specially when you got the love and determination :D

Keep at it and dont give up?!!!

[leptonish]

I'm pretty much unhappy only because of the fact that an aimless college student with no focus is the scariest thing to their parent, wavering between different kinds of studies, changing majors and interests, and in general, wasting their time and investment.

College is a time for exploration. It's an expensive way to explore so you should try to use your time wisely. It is scary when you can't give a definite answer to what you want to do. The truth is that you would probably be good at, happy at doing several different things.

You should read Paul Graham's essay (http://www.paulgraham.com/hs.html) . It's a talk that he wrote to be given to high school students on their graduation. It has some good stuff about how to figure out what you want to do.

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