A Day in the Life of a Creative Director
What running a creative agency really looks like — from morning rituals to brand strategy sessions
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If you’ve ever scrolled past a polished brand, a beautifully designed website, or a stunning photoshoot and wondered what goes on behind the scenes — this one’s for you.
My name is Lotus Malana Wong, and I’m the CEO and Creative Director of Creative Muse Studios — a full-service branding and creative agency helping visionary founders build brands that are bold, beautiful, and deeply aligned with who they are.
Brand strategy. Visual identity. Web design. Photoshoots. And a dream team making it all happen. Yes, it’s a lot. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. But here’s what most people don’t see before any of it begins.
The Morning Comes First — Always
I don’t wake up and immediately dive into emails or client work. I’ve learned — the hard way — that when I skip my foundation, everything wobbles.
My mornings start slow and intentional. No blaring alarms. Something soft and serene to ease me into the day. I stay in bed a few extra minutes (okay, maybe 15) and I pray. I connect with something greater than the to-do list, and I try — really try — not to reach for my phone right away. The second I do, my creative brain is in overdrive.
My mornings are by design, not default.
Once I’m up, it’s the simple rituals: washing my face, skincare, moving to my altar. I clear and shield myself with sage and palo santo. I tap into sacred sound, do some yoga stretches, and meditate. This is what keeps me steady instead of scattered.
Getting Dressed is Part of the Practice
Then I get ready — and this part matters more than people might expect.
Some mornings I’m heading to the kickboxing gym. Other days I have client meetings or creative sessions. Either way, I approach getting dressed as a ritual in itself. I blow out my hair, choose an outfit based on my mood, and select just the right earrings.
Once I’m dressed, something shifts. I feel powerful. Clear. Ready for action.
I’ve always believed that how you adorn yourself is a form of self-expression and self-respect. It signals to your mind and body: I am ready. I showed up for myself. Now let’s go.
Inside the Studio: The Work Itself
Most of my day is spent in what I lovingly call the studio — centered around my latest obsession, my pink iMac.
On any given day, I’m in brand strategy sessions with clients, creating mood boards, giving creative direction on websites, overseeing graphic design, planning photoshoots, or syncing with my team. It’s a constant rhythm of strategizing, refining, and helping clients articulate who they are, what they do, and how they want to show up in the world.
It’s deeply fulfilling work. Every client has a story worth telling — and it’s my job to help them tell it beautifully.
A Nature Walk to Reset
Later in the afternoon, I step outside for a nature walk. Not to check my phone. Not to take calls. Just to breathe, move, and let my mind decompress.
It’s my reminder that creativity doesn’t only live at a desk. Some of my best ideas come when I step away from the screen.
This Life Was Built With Intention
What I want people to understand is this: the polished work you see from Creative Muse Studios doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of a lifestyle built around intention, discipline, and deep self-care.
I carved my own path. I bet on myself. And every day, I wake up grateful to do work I love — work that helps others step fully into their power.
Burnt out, scattered, running on fumes is not the vibe.
If you’re building something meaningful — whether it’s a brand, a business, or a morning routine — I hope this gives you permission to slow down, design your days on purpose, and invest in your foundation first.
Because when the foundation is solid, everything built on top of it gets to shine.
Written by: Lotus Malana Wong, CEO of Creative Muse Studios — helping visionary leaders embody their soul’s expression through brand, style & storytelling.
Explore more at www.creativemusestudios.com
Connect with me on Instagram: @lotusmalana
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