Are freelance sites an effective way to find work?

I think sometimes they are!

in some times yes and its be way to understand how to find right work

If your communication skills are strong, go to the market, arrange meetings, present your design & Done.

But for some designers its hard to communicate & some have introverted personality type. for them freelance sites are a good solution & some of my friends are making good money of it.

But if you can do the first one, the income & side projects based on your skills will be huge!

Dear Dina Khatib ,

Freelance sites will be a good start to present your work & establish your network , Beside its a great way to enhance the production to fit the market .

My advice to remember the your work will speak loud for you no matter what , Keep working and don't let any thing stop you from achieving dreams .

Regards , 

Yes, they are in some way because the one could get a glance about the worlds' proffessions without going there.

Indirectly ... 

You are likely to find an opportunity to work through one of the customers who liked your work, and have a chance to work for you .

In any case it's good in the (Freelance sites) it gives you the opportunity to get to know the labor market and the development of your abilities and experience, and is certainly much better than sitting without exercising to work .

Hmmm Hope so!!! 

Well, I'm Planning to start as a freelance WebDeveloper on weekend or as a vacational work :)

Don't think try it :)