So ever since the 1.8.0 update the dyes got an update and added proper dyes for white, black, brown, and blue. I was wondering if since these dyes now exist if just collecting the ingredients is no longer enough and you now have to craft the dye instead of just getting the ink sack or bone meal like you would before.

That is exactly what I have been doing.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think, for example, the bone meal has to be crafted into white dye before crafting with other dyes.

No, you can craft other dyes with ink sac and bone meal