I stated this uptop and will do it again for everyone
"A college degree won't open any doors for you, but it will keep them from being shut"
You can get people to look at your book without a degree. My advice to young folks or people just starting out in design. Is take work anywhere you can get it. Build up your portfolio and along the way you will gain valuable experience. Dealing with clients and most importantly of all, providing designs that are purchased will help with your development. Don't put everything in your book also.
Illustrators and fine artist are not that sought after. The field is competive and jobs are hard to come by. Graphic design, Apparel design and Industrial design (Auto Cad, Architect etc..) are the disciplines that will pay well and give you a long career path.
I like designers who can draw, manipulate type and manipulate images (altering or creating new designs, say in photoshop). Very rarely do I come across ones that can do all three, let alone do it well.
Last tip - do not rely on technology for great design. Use it to enhance only. Too many people are filter crazy.
I am not saying don't go for the degree, infact I advise to get it! just don't count yourself out if you don't have one.