
M2 Animation is a premier international CG studio where storytelling meets technical brilliance. As a cornerstone of the Danish-owned M2 Group, we operate with a unique DNA: the high-octane production standards of North America paired with the empathetic, balanced sensibilities of Scandinavia.
Our Bangkok studio is a vibrant hub of over 450+ professionals from 20+ countries. We don’t just build assets; we create emotional connections. From preschool favorites to gritty “Tween” action series and high-end commercials, our work is seen by millions globally. We believe that the soul of any great animation lies in the face—the subtle twitch of an eyebrow, the sneer of a villain, or the joyful crinkle of a hero’s eyes. This is where you come in.
We are seeking a Facial Blend Shape Artist who is as much a scientist of anatomy as they are an artist of expression. In this role, you aren’t just creating “shapes”; you are building the vocabulary of a character’s soul. You will be the bridge between a static model and a living, breathing performance, collaborating daily with Art, Rigging, and Animation departments to push the boundaries of facial fidelity.
Job Overview: Facial Blend Shape Artist
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | M2 Animation (M2 Group) |
| Position Title | Facial Blend Shape Artist |
| Job Type | Full-Time / Project-Based (Negotiable) |
| Location | Bangkok, Thailand (On-site) |
| Reporting To | Modeling/Rigging Supervisor |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya & Unreal Engine |
| Department | Character Production (Front-End) |
Compensation and Benefits
M2 Animation offers a competitive remuneration structure that respects the specialized nature of blend shape artistry. While individual salaries are negotiated based on the candidate’s portfolio and technical depth, we provide a robust framework for the Bangkok market.
Estimated Salary & Benefits Table (2026)
| Experience Level | Professional Years | Monthly Salary (THB) | Annual Est. (THB) |
| Intermediate | 3 – 5 Years | ฿85,000 – ฿115,000 | ฿1,020,000 – ฿1,380,000 |
| Senior | 6 – 9 Years | ฿115,000 – ฿150,000 | ฿1,380,000 – ฿1,800,000 |
| Lead / Specialist | 10+ Years | ฿150,000 – ฿190,000+ | ฿1,800,000 – ฿2,280,000+ |
The “M2 Family” Benefits Package:
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Premium medical and dental insurance for all full-time staff.
- Relocation Assistance: We provide administrative support for visas, work permits, and initial arrival logistics for international hires.
- Modern Workspace: Our Bangkok studio features state-of-the-art workstations, creative break zones, and a multicultural environment that is second to none.
- Skill Development: Regular “Masterclass” sessions, access to training resources, and mentorship from industry veterans.
- Work-Life Harmony: Inspired by our Scandinavian roots, we prioritize a healthy schedule to ensure our team remains creative and energized.
The Script: Your Duties and Responsibilities
As a Blend Shape Artist at M2, your daily workflow is a blend of artistic sculpting and technical troubleshooting. Your mission includes:
1. Expressive Character Development
You will collaborate with the Art and Animation teams to transform static character concepts into expressive facial rigs. Whether it’s a realistic human, a stylized creature, or a fantastical alien, you ensure the character can hit every emotional beat required by the script.
2. Technical Topology Optimization
You are the gatekeeper of model quality. You will actively troubleshoot character topology, ensuring edge flow is optimized for deformation. You will provide constructive, technical feedback to the Modeling team to ensure assets are “animation-ready.”
3. FACS & Motion Testing
Using the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) or equivalent methodologies, you will execute rigorous motion tests. You will refine shapes based on supervisor feedback, striving for a continuous improvement in the nuance of facial performance.
4. Pipeline Innovation
M2 is always evolving. You will operate within our established blend shape pipelines while proposing creative innovations to enhance efficiency. If there’s a better way to script a tool or automate a deformation check, we want to hear it.
5. Leadership & Mentorship
For senior candidates, leadership is key. You will mentor junior and peer artists, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where knowledge is shared and the entire team’s “facial IQ” is elevated.
Your Credits: Preferred Qualifications
We are looking for a specialist who lives and breathes character performance.
Professional Experience
- Minimum 3 Years of professional experience in facial blend shape creation. This experience should be within high-end TV, AAA Games, or Feature Film environments.
- Portfolio Excellence: A demo reel that doesn’t just show “models,” but shows performance. We want to see how your shapes move and how they maintain volume and appeal across a range of emotions.
Technical Mastery
- Maya Expert: Deep proficiency in Maya’s blend shape functionalities and deformer sets.
- FACS Knowledge: A strong familiarity with the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) to ensure anatomical accuracy even in stylized characters.
- Unreal Engine: Experience working with Unreal Engine (especially MetaHumans or custom character integration) is highly preferred for our real-time projects.
- Topology Logic: A master-level grasp of character topology, including polygon optimization for high-end rendering and real-time performance.
Soft Skills
- Communication: Fluent, professional English (written and spoken) is essential for our multinational studio.
- Collaborative Mindset: You must be a “team player” who takes direction well and can work under tight production deadlines without sacrificing quality.
- Problem Solver: The ability to look at a technical glitch and find a creative workaround is vital.
Life in Bangkok: The Creative Frontier
Choosing M2 Animation means choosing a life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. Bangkok offers a low cost of living with a high quality of life, incredible food, and a central location for exploring Southeast Asia. Our studio serves as a sanctuary for creators—a place where you can build a global career while enjoying an informal, supportive, and fun atmosphere.
How to Join the M2 Family
Are you ready to give our characters a voice through your art? We are looking for candidates who can join us as soon as possible.
To Apply:
Please submit your application to the HR team at: 📧 jobs@m2animation.com
Required Application Materials:
1. Resume/CV: In English, highlighting your years in production.
2. Demo Reel: A link (Vimeo/SyncSketch/ArtStation) showing facial tests, blend shape breakdowns, and topology.
3. Cover Letter: Tell us about your favorite character to work on and why you want to move to (or stay in) Bangkok.
M2 Animation is an inclusive employer. We believe in teamwork and that we can only succeed together. Diversity is our strength, and we welcome artists from all walks of life.