[symmet]

I think an important aspect of the internship, as touched on by bartonfink, is the social connection. This decision isn't as easily boiled down to whether you'll make more impressive things at an internship or on your own.

I don't think forgoing an internship would necessarily hurt you, but your portfolio would have to really stand out to make up for it.

I would say continue to pursue internships and see what turns up. If nothing viable or attractive comes up, then plunge into your ideas.