It's usually folly to try to change anyone else's mindset. I encourage you to shift your own mindset, instead. As I see it, you're putting others -- like the employment agencies and the businesses in your town -- in the drivers seat, instead of yourself.

First, why are you working with an employment agency? I recommend you promote your own work, yourself, to companies who can use your creative and literary talents. For example, if you're great at writing, why not pitch a medium or small company on writing some advertisements for them? You could even offer to create a few samples for free.

Second, why are you focused on your town? Welcome to the virtual world. Open up more possibilities. Put your services out there on something like eLance or Craigslist. And be sure to promote yourself creatively, adding your own unique flair.

I think the underlying issue is that you're undervaluing your own talents, and not really allowing yourself to get creative, even about how you see the market. I'd encourage you to get together with friends and have a fun brainstorming session to discuss ways to offer your creative talents. To me, you sound like you've adopted a "starving artist" mentality. That's sad. You could really be paid well if you expand your mindset. For example, you could teach creativity workshops, or offer improv classes to help corporate types loosen up for public speaking gigs. Practice that creativity that you preach with yourself first.