I created this very brief breakdown because I get asked a bit how I set up nightmares, so here is how I approach making these sorts of scenes for my own comic! I hope this is helpful or inspirational to some!
Understanding your character is key.
You can personalize sequences to fit their themes, fears & personalities.
Don't get distracted or intimidated just because it's not the same setting you are used to!
If you know WHAT the reasoning for the scene is, you can focus on how to convey it.
Try something new!
Experiment and take inspiration from weird places even if it's totally different than your norm!
And not just with the art, try something different with your paneling, lettering & affects you use.
I would say go wild honestly~ I prefer to not use any traditional panels with edges/boxes & just work seamlessly in these sequences.
It'll look & feel different at first, but that's okay!
It's not the same space as the rest of the comic and there's no real "rules" like real spaces have!
If you do it enough eventually you'll find your own dreamscape style too~
Shameless plug, if this was helpful or you just like the art, consider giving a follow and reading on any of these platforms~
The fragmented panel boxes absolutely push that mood hard! Love it~