Humans of Patreon: Eric Han

Meet Eric Han, Patreon's VP of Trust and Safety. With a passion for gardening, an aspiration for woodworking, and a playlist that takes us from New Order to Charli XCX, Eric brings a unique blend of wisdom and warmth to his mission of keeping Patreon's community safe and welcoming. His appreciation for creators ranges from Brad Troemel's incisive commentary to "10 Minute Workshop" craftsmanship, reflecting the diverse creator ecosystem he helps protect.

Let's dive into Eric's world, where trust and safety intersect with creativity and culture.

Question: Explain what your job is if you were talking to a 5 year old.
Eric: Your parents restrict your screen time for a reason. My job is to make sure Patreon stays a safe place where creators can share their amazing work with their fans.

Question: Who is your favorite creator & why?
Eric: I've never felt more seen - and roasted - than when I watched Brad Troemel's 'The Hipster Report.

Question: If you started a Patreon, what would it be and why?
Eric: My wife and I spend a lot of time in our garden, and I've been trying to convince her to monetize her green thumb. My contribution? Pretending I know anything about the best fertilizer for tomatoes - while eating them.

Question: What's one thing about working at Patreon that surprised you the most?
Eric: What surprised me most about working at Patreon is how clearly everyone embodies the company's values - like Build With Craft and Put Creators First - not just in big decisions but even in everyday interactions. For a company that's been around this long, keeping a culture so rooted in its values is impressive, and it's great to see how much people still actively promote them.

Question: If your career was a reality TV show, what would be its tagline?
Eric: "No, it's ok. I was awake anyway."

Question: If you could have any creator as your mentor for a day, who would it be and what would you learn?
Eric: I have delusions of grandeur that I will one day really get into woodworking, so probably "10minuteworkshop."

Question: If you could instantly master one skill to help creators, what would it be?
Eric: I've always wanted to be proficient in Final Cut Pro.

Question: Describe each day of the work week in the form of a playlist/song. Please explain the reason for each.
Eric: Monday: New Order - Blue Monday (self-explanatory)
Tuesday: Talking Heads - Life During Wartime (the grind is real, but you're powering through)
Wednesday: Radiohead - Optimistic (doing my best over here)
Thursday: Roberta Flack - The Closer I Get to You (it's almost the weekend)
Friday: Charli XCX - 360 (it's the weekend)

Question: If your job had a theme song, what would it be and which lyrics best describe your role?
Eric: The entirety of Bo Burnham's "That Funny Feeling" feels like the day in a life of a Trust & Safety professional.

Question: What is the best career advice you have ever received?
Eric: Work hard at work worth doing.

Question: What are your words of wisdom to anyone trying to enter your field?
Eric: Note to self: Be kind, be kind; be kind.

Eric's commitment to kindness and strong values exemplifies the innovative spirit that drives Patreon forward. His appreciation for how deeply Patreon's values are embedded in everyday interactions, coupled with his mantra of "be kind, be kind; be kind," makes him an invaluable asset to the Patreon team. Eric's dedication to "working hard at work worth doing" continues to help make Patreon a safer space for creators to pursue their passions.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our next "Humans of Patreon" feature!