I contacted firms within reasonable driving distance to my home. Most say no at first but if you are persistant, and call them at just the right time (when they are swamped with buisness) they might give you a chance.
You can also contact local companies and talk to their marketing managers…if you can get through. If you choose this approach you better be a great sales person and find out what “pains” them in the areana of increasing sales through improved design.
The work is starting to pick up right now so I would not only focus on freelance, I would work on some individual project to get them in portfolio and find a full time possition. More than once in on a follow up call I was told…“So I see here that you have had three freelance clients, if they were not willing to hire you why should I?” fortunatly my main freelance client did hire me after my 3rd project with them.
Good Luck