Keep freelancing..you never know who you will meet. Have you tried doing any probono work for some non-profits in your area?? That is another good way to get some nice work in your portfolio.
I see that you have learned to use the "Trinity" of apps- Quark, Illustrator and PhotoShop that is great you will need to know how to work in them all. They are just tools, creativity is what counts.
Definatly look to newspapers and print shops..I have worked at them both and gained very valuable skills. I have also worked in large agencies in Boston, but found I really hated the drive from the Cape and the politics
Keep trying things will work out.
Chris
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