Fraid its true, you need to go back on the tools, or if working for yourself, open a business account and advertize in mags, open trade accounts etc.
I even provided pics of my van,basically history going back to prove i was what i said i was.In this curent climate i wouldnt go self employed as it is dire out there. (im in construction)Work for an agency or someone who can give you a reference. Photograph al your work and get as many referencess you can, good luck