you can try joining a freelance website like getafreelancer or guru, or selling graphics and templates on microstock sites like istockphoto.
Designers should be making 100% of their money outside of contests. In some places, like where I live, contests are considered Speculative work and are strictly illegal because it exploits skilled workers and doesn't pay for the work they do. Check Freelanceswitch, Elance, SmashingMagazine jobs section and see if you can pick up some freelance design - but this is the industry, not amateur people like you'll find a lot of here. Real jobs for real pay.