It's challenging.
I think about this subject a lot, as I struggle with it as well.
Here's some thoughts I've developed that helped me over the last few years.
Interactions.
Make your characters touch each other.
Playfully, lovingly, violently, sexually, or whatever is needed.
Proximity between people matters.
I will have instant ideas about the relationship between two characters based on how far or close they are from each other.
And what they are doing with each other.
A hug has a meaning.
A kick in the ass has a meaning.
You can put your hands around someone's neck in a loving manner, or in a violent manner.
Characters can also interact with inanimate objects.
There's a difference between:
1. A man and a bird house
2. A man building a bird house
Draw from personal experiences.
You've been alive a while.
Things have happened to you.
Normal stuff.
Brush your teeth, wash your hands, put on a shirt, cook a meal, talk to friends, walk to the store etc.
Everyday normal activities are great subject as they can be easily injected with a deeper meaning or altered feeling.
However.
Do you have memories that are too embarrassing to tell anyone?
That's exactly why you should be drawing from them.
If they make you feel weird, then surely they will make others feel weird.
That's a good thing.
To have meaning you need feeling.
Use human emotions.
Combine them.
You are happy to have children, but sad that your youth is over.
You want to protect her because you love her, that's why you are completely controlling and jealous.
You show those above you respect, and you completely despise them for it.
Before, during or after.
Is something about to happen? --> the assassin waits for her target to walk just a little bit closer
Is something happening? --> Timmy angrily flips the chess board over, the pieces go flying, while Billy laughs with satisfaction
Has something already happened --> the cute fat dog is fast asleep, next to an empty bowl, little bits of food are messily scattered on the floor.
You only need to show a very small amount of stuff to tell a story.
Much of it is implied.
Be a bit more daring.
Topics that are considered shameful or offensive are often very entertaining.
Sex, murder, betrayal, suffering, fear, violence, drama, etc.
Everyone loves a bit of bad as long as you tie it up in a nice package for them.
Put words into your art.
If the characters can speak, it will make it feel like they have thoughts of their own.
Words can amplify the feeling of a drawing or even create a counter feeling.
Don't be afraid to draw things that are not what you believe.
You will have a harder time with this since the subject may not be something you understand well.
But surely there are powerful topics that are not part of your life.
I didn't grow up religious.
But that doesn't stop me from drawing images that use ideas, icons or thoughts from it.
Go nuts and be prepared for verbal backlash.
If what you're drawing has meaning, people will respond to it.
That may come in the form of positive or negative words. --> and sometimes even silence
They will judge your personal character and you will have to carry it or shrug it off.
Push yourself to draw with meaning despite what others say.
If no one cares about what you draw, regardless if they like or hate it, you are doing it wrong.
Come up with some of your own ideas.
Good luck!