'Visual Enlightenment' and 'Illuminated Refinement', generally, are the two most inspiring inner states to convey otherworldly imagery. The intense and deliberate use of progressive imagery and symbolism replicating itself on either side (i.e. reality or dream) helps produce that uncharacteristic effect - mainly due to the merging of the stories and the elements that help narrate it. Likewise, highlights, ethereal and vivid colour tones enhance the illusory environment of the artwork. A lot of elemental play also exists between the revealed and the exposed. The fine balance of the detailing in these elements is most important for the subject and its environment, giving a more subtle amalgamated look and feel to the overall imagery.
At a certain level, psychedelic art is an extension of psychedelic visions i.e. physical phenomena entirely relies on reality in the immediate environment we identify with, thereby making the illusory experience more relatable & complete. So, realism is about as important as the intention to communicate the dreaminess successfully, particularly in terms of the visual capability of the artscape.
Balance is, usually, a desirable characteristic of any artwork. Many people automatically gravitate to symmetry. In form, we are fundamentally symmetrical, after all - two eyes; two ears; two hands, etc. So, in an artwork, that sense of symmetry is very capable of bringing about deep gaze and focus due to the sub-conscious awareness of the two sides.
Sometimes, depending on the environment, using certain symbols in symmetric style eases visual understanding, because symbols are more easily interpreted. Patterns play a very crucial role as well – the multiplicity of a variety of shapes and colours, when combined together, have a very different meaning and emotion in the overall view of the artwork, especially as minimal overlays are layered within the master elements of the story.
Technology is becoming the channel for expression and inspiration. Converting statistical data into art or music seems to be the direction in which the trend is moving towards at the moment. Yet, of course, eventually, it's human intuition that must drive how that data is applied and executed. The trend towards progressive and multi-faceted art forms is on its level up, stemming to a variety of new art forms and interpretations that look promising.
Adding to these, at a certain level, collaborations in art or any creative field(s) have always been significantly successful. It brings about a great togetherness of mind-spaces, and an exclusive preview of intentions and executions across various platforms.