Can't obtain degree for time being. What can I do with art skills?

You can create an account at skillspages.com and show your stuff. Tell everyone you know what you do - never know who THEY will meet that might just need what YOU do (it works). Build a web site to showcase your skills. Volunteer with a local theatre group for exposure. Meet editors of local weekly papers and volunteer your art for exposure. Do local organizations sponsor art shows? Then volunteer some time to help with the shows and meet the artists, talk to them and get leads (it works!)...I've met some of the biggest names in Children's Story Book art that way. Or better yet, JOIN and become a regular. I wound up designing the animation layout and characters for some Sega hand-held games (eternal champions and ecco the dolphin and others) because I made a habit of checking bulletin boards in art stores and saw a hand written note about needing an artist. I became a syndicated cartoonist (King Features) through sheer unadulterated desire and persistence - and sending way more stuff than they requested. Junior colleges have galleries and getting to know the directors can open doors. If you can, go to major museums and see what people have done in the past - check out commercial galleries to see what contemporary artist are doing - it might really suprise you. Get your hands on the "Artists Market" book - your local library should have it - it lists markets for artwork, the actual companies buying stuff and who to talk to. Small press literary magazines are always looking for artists. We used to have a monthly publication here called "Poetry Flash" about poetry mostly but ALSO contained listings for publications looking for artwork - I picked up several gigs through that list (-see link below). Check your local library lobby to see what local free publications they might carry. If there is a university nearby, check out the art department "walls"...there is often a board listing jobs for artists, often at entry level or as an apprentice to an established artist. I'm illustrating for the local monthly paper ( a year now) because I took the time to email and ask them if they'd like some artwork - led to other work too (paying!)...