Since I couldn't get GIMP to work on my laptop, I've been using SkinEdit to make a base and then Paint.net's blur effects for detailing. Sometimes I'll go back and forth from the two programs for extra detailing if I see something small that needs to be fixed. Skins turn out nice and smooth and less pixelated looking.
Here's are some examples:
Sephiroth
Detective Gumshoe
Skullomania
You can't see the 3D effects by just these pics. Click my name for a better view of the skins to see what I mean.
