Dominic Purcell’s collection mixes bold lettering with smaller symbols and family references. The latest addition is a large “RIFF” across his upper back, tied to Penrith, the Western Sydney suburb where he spent much of his childhood.
The RIFF back tattoo is pure Penrith pride
The RIFF letters run across the shoulder blades in a broad, dark type style. Their simple shape keeps the word readable from a distance, without extra decoration around it.
Purcell shared the tattoo with a caption about Penrith, New South Wales, the 1970s and 1980s, and his pride in where he came from. “Riff” is a local nickname; read without that context, it could sound like a music reference.
7NEWS and The Nightly identify Los Angeles tattoo artist Jamie Gene Lopez as the artist. The piece was done at Joy Studio in downtown Los Angeles.
The newer chest work leans into Australian symbols
The chest and abdomen work takes a different approach. Instead of one large word, the newer Australian-themed tattoos are smaller symbols spaced across the body: cross shapes, star-like forms associated with the Southern Cross, and a radiating sun.
The open spacing leaves each mark visible as its own design rather than combining them into one mural. The symbols suggest an Australian theme without using a flag or a literal map.
Tatufoto’s September 2026 report links the new pieces to the country where Purcell grew up and identifies Jamie Gene Lopez in its accompanying coverage.
A shared subject can connect separate designs even when their sizes and outlines differ.
The Fail Better quote keeps the arm lettering direct
Older photos show Purcell’s arm lettering, including the line from Samuel Beckett’s Worstward Ho! often shortened to “Fail Better.” The full quote reads: “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” On his arm, the script is stacked and follows the limb’s shape.
The letters have a loose, lived-in look rather than a polished logo finish. It stands apart from the block lettering on his back, but the dark ink ties the pieces together.
Life is Forever wraps around the wrist
On Purcell’s wrist, a band-like tattoo reads “Life is Forever.” The hand-lettered words circle the wrist like a bracelet, and their short length makes them easy to catch in a photo.
Wrist tattoos bend and disappear under a watch or sleeve. This phrase is bold enough to remain legible as the arm moves, while the placement lets him cover it when he wants.
Near the arm lettering is an outlined anchor with a clear shape and an open interior. Anchor tattoos are often associated with stability, loyalty or home, but Purcell hasn’t publicly explained his own meaning, so those readings shouldn’t be assigned to him.
Other reported pieces include family names and dates, plus a large compass-style tattoo on his shoulder. Body Art Guru describes initials connected with his children at the compass points, with dates around it; other lettering is described as a tribute to his father.
What makes Dominic Purcell’s tattoos work
The collection is easy to read because each tattoo has a clear shape and place. RIFF needs room across the back; the wrist phrase circles the wrist; the anchor sits near the arm lettering without getting lost.
Purcell’s tattoos have accumulated over time, and they don’t all share one style. That leaves family names, script, symbols and large lettering with their own character.
Several newer pieces point to Australia, while the older compass and family tattoos add other references. A collection can carry a common thread without repeating the same image.
Final take
RIFF is the clearest reference to Purcell’s hometown. His chest symbols, Beckett quote, wrist phrase and reported family tattoos add other parts of the story without needing to match.