diff --git a/src/builder.py b/src/builder.py
index bf9c5de..1dbaaff 100644
--- a/src/builder.py
+++ b/src/builder.py
@@ -329,6 +329,8 @@ def from_armature(armature_object):
 
         dependency_graph = bpy.context.evaluated_depsgraph_get()
 
+        modifiers[0].show_viewport = False # this is necessary to keep the mesh in neutral pose while we get the vertex movements; I hope there's a better way I haven't found yet
+
         # 0 or 1 shape keys means there is no vertex animation to export, skip it!
         if mesh.shape_keys and len(mesh.shape_keys.key_blocks) > 1:
             for animation in model.animations:
@@ -398,6 +400,8 @@ def from_armature(armature_object):
 
                     animation.vertex_deformations[node].extend(raw_vertices)
 
+        modifiers[0].show_viewport = True # re-enable the modifier
+
         for node in model.nodes:
             # remove dupes, and count final
             node.md_vert_list = list(dict.fromkeys(node.md_vert_list))