Kara Walker similarly uses works on paper to interrogate Black identity and history, employing bold graphic contrasts and mixed media techniques that create layered conceptual meaning similar to Simpson's embossed portrait work.

Carrie Mae Weems shares Simpson's focus on portraiture as a vehicle for exploring Black identity and selfhood, using material and surface manipulation to add conceptual depth and tactile presence to her imagery.

Ellen Gallagher frequently uses paper as a primary support and incorporates embossing, gold leaf, and other tactile materials into her work, creating mixed media pieces that examine identity and race through a similarly material and conceptually rich approach.