Ivan Akimov was born to a father employed as a typographer for the Governing Senate. His artistic inclination began at the age of ten. After his father's demise, he composed a heartfelt letter to the Imperial Academy of Arts, seeking admission due to financial struggles. Accepted into the Academy from 1765 to 1773, he studied under Anton Losenko's guidance.

From 1773 to 1778, Akimov embarked on a fellowship to Italy, exploring Paris, Avignon, Genoa, and Bologna. There, he joined the Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, studying under Gaetano Gandolfi. Unimpressed, he moved to Rome, aided by a recommendation from a Russian nobleman. Later, he finished his course in Bologna, residing in Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Returning to Saint Petersburg in 1779, he became an Academy lecturer and achieved recognition as an Academician three years later for his depiction of Hercules' sacrifice. Akimov's career thrived; he ascended to Associate Professor in 1785 and became Director of the Imperial Tapestry Manufactory in 1791. He also taught drawing to Tsar Paul I's daughters. He progressed further, becoming Associate Director of the Academy and, in 1800, the Director. Akimov's impact also extended to art historiography; his publication "Brief Historical Information About Some Russian Artists" in the 1804 edition of Severny Vestnik marked a founding moment.