My client had already obtained a tattoo, “Maktoob” (meaning “it is written”), but wanted to embellish and improve the overall design. Working with an existing tattoo can be tricky; I strongly advise against trying to edit (or even worse obliterate) the original inking–it just creates more of a focal point for what you are trying to “fix”. The customer had original inspiration from the book “The Alchemist” and wanted to add layers of depth and mystery to the design. I added “Every second of the search is an encounter with God” and “A prayer without words or plea” — both in Arabic.
