My first CT was an individual designer as well. I remember getting no after no after no which can be so deflating but then someone finally took a chance on me! It was so exciting. I was definitely scared to start with. Just something about it felt kinda like a first job or some such. It was super exciting though and I will always be grateful for those designers that took me in when I was brand new to scrapping!
I loooove CT teams and honestly at this point in time there are only one or two I would apply for. You definitely have to love the products of whoever you are applying for but for me it's also the community from the team or where the designer sells that is a big seller for me.
I have made soooo many really great friends from my CT teams. people that I love like family and have helped me through some difficult times and people I hope know they can count on me. In digi scrapping that is what has become the most important thing to me. I know it's a business and all that, but I think if you like the people you are "working with" or for you do better work and you are better at promoting their stuff.