Job Hunting Concerns

[Ronald]

The other day, I called over 20 places looking for a job in the field of graphic design, page layout, and/or photography, and all but one business said they had no open positions. However, the one company needed someone who knows both Dreamweaver and Adobe Flash for web design; the latter I'm somewhat familiar with but the former I've never tried. He also needs someone for physical production work which I assume I could handle.

Is it just the poor economy, or do some businesses simply dismiss you when asked about open job positions? Many of them firmly spouted "NO" just as I finished the question. I remember my former instructor telling me I wasn't "hands-on" enough when calling about internships. Would my odds somehow be improved if in person I came to the businesses and asked? Most of the places I called are about 30-40 miles away, so it'd definitely be a day-long ordeal driving around to dozens of locations.

Also, does a physical mailed-in résumé have a greater impact than sending one via email?

I'm happy to be working freelance for a chamber of commerce and gradually gaining experience, portfolio credibility, and some money from it while I work at a warehouse, but it's been over a year since I finished college and I'd like to have an entry-level design position within the next year.