While intrigued by the ideas here, I would encourage any freelance designer to consider identifying a target market, finding some meet up groups (meetup.com) or local professional organizations and attending those meetings. You can learn more about the needs of your target audience, offer your perspective on helping them solve their business challenges, build trust and relationships and hand out your valuable business cards face-to-face. Most professional designers want to work with professional clients who understand the value of a designers contribution to overall problem solving using design tools. Perhaps not every business professional knows how to find a design pro, but it’s unlikely they’re looking for one at the grocery store or the gas station. I encourage you to explore both options in tandem for best results.

I once had a company call me and ask me to come and work for them as an in-house designer, never saw my work but found my Business Card propped up on top of a urinal (my favorite place to leave cards)and he was hooked, I couldn’t take the job but it was a good feeling.

I love the “Free take one” idea… I’m going to have to try that.