Don't want to discourage you, but it takes time and a lot of persistance when you're first starting out doing freelance web design work. As far as elance.com, I've not used it, but I've heard really good things about it. The main problem I see, is that there's just too much competition there and it's probably tough to get noticed. If you're going to win any contracts through elance, you're going to have to prove your abilities and you'll have to work for cheap.
Good luck and keep at it. It will pay off in the long run.
