77percent™

a design shop is just like a inde band in so many aspects

you do your stuff , hope someone notices [i.e be an attention whore until you get what you want], get your first few contracts (if you’re lucky), buildup a small client list and bit of a rep [good or bad, it’s your choice] ..

from there you can depend on the honest/Good™ version of viral marketing commonly referred to as word-of-mouth and things should end up alright

also like being (in) an inde band , it’s best to keep your dayjob if that’s a viable option
.. just in case

or, of course, you can start making your own blend [77.7% but let’s keep that between you and me] of chocolate and let that be your new dream .. can’t go wrong with chocolate.