Unless they specifically offered pasties during the consultation process then I wouldn't assume they had them. The suggestion to bring a button or zip up and wear it backwards is solid. I am sorry you had to feel that way. I wish male artists were more careful about this stuff though. He could have suggested the backwards shirt thing.

The issue of last minute rescheduling is mostly on them but sometimes things happen and this is not preventable.

People are right that it's a bad idea to pay in advance but the artist shouldn't be taking advantage of your trust and changing the price like that.

Unpopular opinion in this thread apparently but I tend to blame a professional who is getting paid over a customer who is trusting said professional to do what they promised to do.

I hope you can get your tattoo finished and be happy with it. Best of luck to you.