You can pose a face 3D model without Mixamo using 3D software (e.g., Blender, Maya, ZBrush) by adjusting facial rig controls or shape keys for expressions.
Facial rigs have pre-set sliders (for eyes, mouth, brows) to move features, while shape keys (morph targets) store specific shapes (smile, frown) you can blend. Free tools like Blender’s Rigify or Daz3D’s Facial Control Sliders simplify this.
Typical uses: - Character animators: Fine-tuning emotive faces for game cutscenes in Blender. - Creators: Designing VR avatar expressions in ZBrush. - Learners: Practicing rigging basics with Blender templates.
For beginners, start with Blender’s Rigify—enable it in settings, add the rig to your model, and use sliders to test expressions easily.