When starting out tell everyone you know what you’re doing and that you’re available for work :)
One outbound tactic that works well but is often forgotten when you’re starting out as a freelance designer: warming up your existing network.
Past colleagues, design school friends, people you’ve worked next to, other designers you’re friends with…
“Here’s what I’m doing now, here’s what I offer, here’s a few things I’ve made. If anyone comes to mind who needs this, I’d be grateful for an intro.”