My friends, and people have been complaining about how to make 1.8 skins, well here I will talk about some programs and a website that could help you make your 1.8 3D skin.

Template
You will need a special/custom template to perform making the 1.8 skin since the file is much bigger.

GIMP
Gimp is a great program that you could use to make your 1.8 skin
Pros
*Zoom in
*Pencil/Paint modes to help make the skin more textured
*Easy color menu (very easy to get the color you want)
*Free
Cons
*Can not see a visual of how the skin will turn out

PhotoShop
absolute crap for skins

NeedCoolShoes.com
Pros
*New Version of Minershoes.com :D
*Can see a visual of the skin
*edit the actual skin itself
*no need for template
*very easy color selector
*Texture Mode ( Example http://www.planetminecraft.com/skin/demon-mage-18-minecraft-skin-my-skin/ (look at the purple)
*Ability to edit already made skins in one click

Cons
*Can't Zoom in.
THIS IS STILL IN PROGRESS I WILL UPDATE THIS BLOG WHEN I FIND MORE PROGRAMS/SITES